Balloch's tourist information hub to be closed under newly published plans

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Balloch’s tourist information centre is set to be closed.VisitScotland last week revealed that it would shut its network of information centres over the next two years as part of a strategy; “designed to grow the visitor economy by influencing visitors in the planning stage of their trip, before they leave home.”They say the move: “Follows significant changes to the way people plan their holidays with most using online resources and travel specialists to research and book all aspects of their trips.“This includes arranging accommodation and activities before they arrive at their destination.”The base, in the Old Station Building, will remain open as usual until the end of September as part of phased two-year closure programme.A spokeswoman for VisitScotland said: “TikTok, YouTube, online travel websites and tools like AI are among the ways people now find and plan holiday experiences.“Similarly, with almost two thirds (64 per cent) of international visitors to Scotland booking as part of a package, the role tour operators and travel agents can play in helping international visitors plan holidays to Scotland has also become increasingly important.”Balloch’s MSP Jackie Baillie says that she hopes a local group can now take on the running of the centre, to help the thousands of tourists visiting the Bonnie Banks every year.She said: “I am sorry to hear of VisitScotland’s decision to close Balloch’s tourist centre, however, this does present an opportunity for the community and for local groups.“I have encouraged VisitScotland to talk to organisations such as Love Loch Lomond, the National Park and Balloch and Haldane Community Council, about possible future uses of the centre which would both retain the site as a visitor