14 July 2008: Lewes Tourist Information Centre achieves 'Official Partner' status

Media: 1022

The regional tourism agency Tourism South East has named Lewes Tourist Information Centre (TIC) as one of its official partners as part of a new campaign to promote the national TIC network.

The Enjoy England Official Partner campaign is designed to identify centres that are keen and able to play their part in promoting the national tourism industry and which excel in the services they offer to customers.

Lewes TIC is one of only six across Sussex to be awarded 'official partner' status alongside destinations including Brighton and Chichester. The centre, which is managed by Lewes District Council, welcomes over 110,000 visitors each year from all around the world.

Over the coming months, Lewes TIC customers will see the new Enjoy England Official Partner symbol appear alongside the existing i logo. Official Partner Centres will benefit from an increased profile in national and international marketing through Visit Britain and enhanced training programmes for customer service and product knowledge, alongside 'mystery shopper' assessments.

Councillor James MacCleary, Lead Councillor for Community Services said "This is great news for the whole District. As an Enjoy England Official Partner we will be well placed to promote all that the Lewes District has to offer visitors, bringing important investment to our local businesses and economy. It is a big thumbs up for all the hard work and dedication of staff at our Tourist Information Offices."

The tourist information centre is open from 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday all year, 9.30am - 5.30pm Saturday and 10am - 4pm Sunday from April - October and 10.00am - 2.00pm Saturday and closed Sunday during the winter months.

Lewes TIC is located at 187 High Street, Lewes, BN7 2DE and can be contacted on 01273 483448 or e-mail: lewes.tic@lewes.gov.uk. For further ideas on what to do during the holiday season visit www.enjoysussex.info/ .

Ends/

Notes for Editor:

The Enjoy England Official Partner Programme is a Visit Britain initiative to promote and support Tourist Information Centres that can demonstrate an ability to proactively promote England alongside regional and local information.

For further information visit the Tourism South East website at www.industry.visitsoutheastengland.com/site/tic-services

Media enquiries to Liz Lacon, Communications Manager