Windsor’s Tourist Information Centre located in the Guild Hall is to be closed by the Liberal Democrat dominated Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Council on 30 June, according to credible sources.
Jack Rankin, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Windsor, has called the decision “short sighted” and is urging residents to write to their councillors.
He said: “The last economic impact of tourism in 2022 found there are 12 million visitor trips to Windsor every year. This generates £15 million per month in the local economy and some 13 per cent of the Royal Borough is employed in a profession linked to tourism.
"My view is that closing the visitor centre is the wrong decision and something that the Council and the town will come to regret. I am a product of my generation and I recognise the trend towards moving services online these days, but nothing beats the personal service that is provided every day by the experienced and knowledgeable staff of the visitor information service."
As well as offering visitors a wealth of in person local knowledge and guidance, the centre is used for booking accommodation and as a box office for events such as the Windsor Festival, boat and bus tours, Legoland and Ascot and Windsor Racecourse. It sells maps, books, and gifts that are all integral to the tourist experience.
Jack, who lives in Sunninghill with his wife and young family, and is a former Royal Borough Councillor went on to say:
"Some in the Council may say that this is about curbing spending, but this is a false economy. With the right commercial approach, it should be possible to keep retain this valued institution so that Windsor can continue to enjoy the benefits of this service and staff. The timing of these cuts is also highly questionable, just as we are entering the summer season."
Please take a moment to sign Jack's Change.org petition against the cuts to Windsor's Museum and TIC.
