One of the busiest Tourist Information Centres in Wales has reopened following a major refurbishment.
The team from Cardiff’s gateway Tourist Information Centre (TIC) have moved back into the Old Library building after a 6-week refit which has resulted in a more spacious and visitor-friendly area.
The TIC moved to the Old Library from Wood Street in 2004, but this is the first major work to be done since then, and was timed to coincide with the development of Cardiff’s new museum, The Cardiff Story, which opens in the same building later this year.
Manager Cheryl Clarke says the team were enjoying their new-look home. She said:
“The refurbishment of the TIC reflects the exciting developments we’ve seen in the city centre over the past few years. The result is a wonderfully light and airy space, which is more comfortable for the staff, and far more attractive for our visitors.
“The staff aren’t sitting behind a desk any more, but can move around the shop floor and mingle with people, and already we’re finding that the visitors react well to the more personal approach.”
Councillor Nigel Howells, Council’s Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, said the new-look TIC was more appropriate for a capital city. He said
“We welcome over 300,000 people into the TIC every year, and for many of them this is their first port of call in Cardiff, so it’s important to give them a really warm and memorable first impression. The opening of The Cardiff Story has provided an ideal opportunity to refurbish and upgrade the TIC, and create more informal, welcoming and contemporary surroundings.
“Tourists contribute nearly £630m to the local economy each year so we have a responsibility to help them get the most out of their time here. Between the new layout and the highly professional service offered by the TIC team I think we offer the visitor the best possible start to their stay.”
