Archived press release

Date Published: 06/11/07

Aylesbury’s Tourist Information Centre (TIC) is celebrating after being named as one of the best in the south east region at the prestigious Tourism ExSEllence awards. Staff representing the centre joined colleagues from tourism businesses ...

Aylesbury’s Tourist Information Centre (TIC) is celebrating after being named as one of the best in the south east region at the prestigious Tourism ExSEllence awards.

Staff representing the centre joined colleagues from tourism businesses from across the region at Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey for a night of celebrations to mark the final of the 2007 awards. Known as the ‘Tourism Oscars’, these awards recognise and reward outstanding tourism businesses that help make the region so attractive to visitors.

From more than 100 tourist information centres in the south east, Aylesbury was whittled down to the final five in the highly competitive TIC of the Year category and narrowly missed out on top spot, being beaten to the prestigious award by Brighton from a shortlist which also included Canterbury, Windsor and Portsmouth.

It was also a successful night for other local tourism businesses: The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre in Great Missenden and Waddesdon Manor near Aylesbury were named the best Small and Large Attractions of the Year respectively in the south east.

The Aylesbury TIC, which is housed in the historic Kings Head Inn opposite Market Square, was rewarded for various key aspects of its operation, including innovation, excellent customer service and continued commitment to improving performance and services to visitors. It was also recognised for the role it plays in supporting the local tourism industry and for forging highly effective partnerships.

Almost 90,000 people visit Aylesbury TIC each year. Tourism is vital to the local economy in Aylesbury Vale, generating around £134 million and supporting 2,000 jobs.

The TIC is managed by Tourism South East, the regional tourist board, on behalf of Aylesbury Vale District Council.

Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure at AVDC, said: “I’m very pleased that the excellent service provided by the Tourist Information Centre has been deservedly recognised by the tourism industry. Tourism is very important to the economy of Aylesbury Vale and it is essential that we offer a first class service to all our visitors and residents.”

Janice Halsey, Centre Manager, added: “We are delighted to have been recognised in this way, as it represents a great deal of hard work by the tourist information team. It would obviously have been nice to win the award, but being named a runner-up in the search to find the best TIC in the south east region is something really very special.”

From coach tickets to guided walks around the town, the Aylesbury TIC offers a variety of services to visitors and local people alike. Tickets for local theatres and events can be booked through the centre as well as accommodation.

There are plenty of new gift ideas too and lots of free information on what’s on, what to do and where to go, not just around Aylesbury Vale but across the UK.

The TIC is open six days a week from 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday between April and October, and from 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday between November and March. For more details, telephone 01296 330559 or email tic@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk