Bridgend officially has the top tourist information centre (TIC) in Wales.
The centre, based at the Bridgend Designer Outlet just off Junction 36 of the M4, was assessed as part of the Welsh Assembly Government’s mystery shopper scheme.
It came top out of Wales’s 60 TICs, including those located within the country’s major coastal resorts and national parks, for the way in which the customer experience was perceived and how well the staff responded to customer enquiries.
Bridgend TIC is part of Bridgend County Borough Council’s Countryside and Tourism Unit and provides residents and tourists with advice on where to stay, places to visit and things to do.
The staff can also book holiday accommodation and provide a huge range of free information, leaflets, brochures and maps.
Supervisor Allison Tomlinson said: “It was great to hear that the Bridgend TIC team did so well in the latest WAG TIC mystery shopper exercise. This proves our commitment to delivering excellent customer service to our visitors. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated team who help and support each other. We always strive to give the best customer service, so it is very gratifying to be recognised for this achievement of coming first in Wales out of 60 TICs.”
Bridgend County Borough Council Deputy Leader Councillor David Sage added:
“What a feather in the cap for Bridgend TIC! We frequently get fantastic feedback and website reviews complimenting our staff so this is thoroughly deserved. The mystery shopper exercise just goes to prove that residents and tourists alike can be assured of a warm and informed welcome when they visit.
“Tourism is an extremely important to the local economy and it’s important to get the basics right. I would hope and expect that visitors who start their journey with a trip to the Bridgend TIC then go on to have the same excellent service at the many places to stay and enjoy right across our beautiful county borough.”
