Burnham-On-Sea’s tourist information centre has helped 47,000 people with enquries during a busy year, according to new figures out this week, although the overall numbers are down due on previous years.
The centre on The Esplanade, which is run by community group BIARS (Burnham Information and Rescue Support), says the numbers are lower due to weather-related issues.
BIARS Manager Ian Jefferies, right, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The visitor numbers are slightly down at this stage of the year compared to previous years but they still show the demand for information from visitors and locals is still there.”
“As every tourism business knows, we are reliant on good weather and this season has been a real mixed bag.”
Tourist businesses in the Burnham-On-Sea area reported a varied holiday period with some also pointing to national economic uncertainty being on the minds of some visitors.
Burnham’s information centre has been busy, though, selling tickets for day trips – and BIARS has this month expanded its product range, having become an official agent for Bakers Dolphin.
Ian said: “After many requests from our local community, we are pleased to be working with Bakers Dolphin as one of their agents, selling their day trip excursion tickets.”
“If this goes well we’d like to expand our offering to sell their holidays also. We’re delighted to be working with them, adding to the range of tickets we sell from Berry’s Coaches, Fleet Air Arm Museum, Balmoral Excursions, West Somerset Railway, Weston Playhouse, Avalon Coaches, Bath and West Show and Yeovilton Air Show.”
Ian added that the seafront centre would not be able to offer its service without the support of its volunteers.
“Once again our volunteers have been fantastic in their work and just trying to keep up with all the changes to local bus timetables this year has been a real headache,” he said.
“Our volunteers are that devoted some even go out to car boot sales and other events selling donated items to ensure we keep our doors open and continue providing the service we do.”
“If anyone wishes to donate books or car boot items they would be gratefully received. We are also keen have a stall at local events so if anyone is looking for stallholders please let us know.”
For further about information about BIARS, contact Ian by popping into the information centre on The Esplanade. The centre is open seven days a week from 10-4pm until November 14th when winter hours of 10am-2pm begin.
