Visitor information point provides boost to Shropshire economy

A tourist information point set up at Salop Leisure in Shrewsbury two years ago with help from Shropshire Council is being hailed as a great success. 

In March 2011 Tony Bywater MBE, managing director of Salop Leisure and one of Shropshire’s business ambassadors, approached Shropshire Council with the suggestion of setting up a visitor information point at their site on Emstrey Island – to help promote the county and its attractions to the 250,000 people that visit Salop Leisure every year. 

Now, two years on, the new centre is being hailed as a success, and a great example of how the public and private sector can work together to help boost the local economy. 

Shropshire Council contributed towards the costs of setting up the centre, and helped to link Salop Leisure with brochure distributors to ensure a regular supply of information leaflets and brochures. 

In return, Salop Leisure’s reception staff have undertaken local knowledge training and are on hand to offer advice and information to visitors. 

Tony Bywater said:

“We’re grateful for Shropshire Council’s support in getting the information point up and running.  We estimate that more than a quarter of a million people visit the sales centre each year, and we envisage a much higher volume of visitors with the opening of a new Plant Centre, which will also make a visit to Salop Leisure even more interesting.” 

Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council, said:

“When Tony approached us with the idea for a new information point at Salop Leisure we thought that, in this strategic location, and as part of a business which already attracts customers from all over the UK, it would be a great way to promote Shropshire to visitors and, as a result, to boost the local economy.  It’s good to see that the facility is proving popular, and I’m sure it will continue to play a valuable role as we approach the busy spring and summer season.” 

The Business Ambassador scheme was launched in 2007 and now has 25 members.  Each has been selected on the basis of their profile in Shropshire and, in some cases, in the national or international business world, and through having expressed a keen interest in promoting Shropshire.