Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) won’t be drawn on if it will provide specific financial support to an under-threat tourism information centre.
Fears arose during Liverpool Council’s budget setting process that the city’s tourism centre could close after running for almost four years at a deficit. The centre’s budget was cut by the local authority back in 2019.
The council confirmed in February the centre will continue to operate at Liverpool ONE while a review of the operating model is completed. Cllr Steve Radford, leader of the city’s Liberal group and chair of the city region’s overview and scrutiny committee had pressed Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram for financial support to be given from the combined authority to support the work of the centre as it promotes areas across the six local authorities.
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In a written response, seen by the ECHO, the combined authority said it recognises the importance of tourism to the local economy but stopped short of guaranteeing specific funding for the centre. The email added: “LCRCA are currently working with the six constituent authorities to review how destination marketing activities are delivered across the City Region, in response to the recent De Bois Review recommendations.
“As part of this we are developing a local visitor economy partnership proposal, which looks to enhance destination management arrangements and are hoping to be in the first tranche of LVEPs announced by government. We will continue to work over the coming months to build closer links between the public and private sector, expanding the economic and social benefits for the whole city region.
“Regular updates will be provided through the Culture, Tourism and Visitor Economy Portfolio.” It was confirmed last month while a six month review is to be carried out into the future running of the centre, Liverpool ONE will continue to provide funding for the location.
Iain Finlayson, estate director at Liverpool ONE speaking in February, said: “As a city region Liverpool welcomed as many as 66m visitors in a single year, spending a total of almost £5bn pre-pandemic.
“In building back towards these numbers it is imperative that we have a Tourist Information Centre presence in the city centre as part of an integrated visitor welcome strategy across the region. We are pleased to hear that Liverpool Council are to reconsider any closure plans and look forward to discussing with them and the wider visitor economy potential long-term solutions with a view to the retention of the city’s tourist information centre.”
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