Staffed Pop-up Visitor Information Points for the BATP

The Leisure Tourism programme aims to drive long-term economic benefits by boosting the West Midlands' and UK's global reputation as a world-class destination for national and international visitors. These economic benefits will be achieved by enhancing perceptions of the UK and West Midlands and strengthening the UK's relationship with other nations. To ensure that visitors experience the best possible welcome and assistance with wayfinding, booking tickets and enjoying their time in the region, we propose that Staffed Pop-up Visitor Information Points be established at key sites and gateway locations for the duration of the Commonwealth Games Cultural Programme, from March to September 2022, including the period of the Games in July and August 2022.National and international visitors expect official visitor information in-destination. Owing to significant cuts to local authority budgets, there are few permanent Tourist Information Centres (TICs) remaining in the region. As we welcome visitors to the region's destinations, it is critical that our towns and cities can promote their assets, welcome, provide recommendations, and make sales. This also supports destinations and their residents' sense of involvement with the Commonwealth Games. This work package complements our training of frontline staff but provides the official capacity to greet visitors where they need to find out information. In consultation with the host destination, we will schedule these pop-up and mobile information points at transport hubs, in empty shops on the high street, at live events, or in a civic space. The budget provides for up to 15 staff to work either with local authority service staff, BID ambassadors, or in pairs, offering a warm welcome, accurate information, wayfinding and travel signposting and recommendations to encourage visitors to stay longer and experience the richness of the region's offer.