A VOLUNTEER-run tourist information service has been hailed as a centre of excellence.
Bedale Tourist Information Centre (TIC) was praised for its comprehensive service to visitors and locals alike by Rishi Sunak.
Mr Sunak, MP for Richmond, made his comments following a recent visit to its base in Bedale Hall.
He said: “Bedale TIC is a veritable treasure trove of information. The volunteers do an excellent job in looking after the needs of tourists but also providing a huge range of information that local people would find useful too.”
The centre is run by 40 volunteers who man it six days a week during the spring, summer and autumn months fielding 8,000 enquiries every year. It is also open two days a week during the winter. Funds required to cover costs come from the sale of secondhand books on Yorkshire, travel and maps.
Mr Sunak added: “The amount of volunteer activity in Bedale is amazing and this a great example of community effort and spirit.”
The MP had called into the TIC to gather views for an inquiry into rural tourism by a Government watchdog committee of which Mr Sunak is a member.
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs select committee is investigating why the benefits of Britain’s booming tourism industry are not being felt beyond the big cities, particularly London.
Mr Sunak said the volunteers had given him plenty of feedback about tourism issues including transport, accommodation and the importance of attractions like the Wensleydale Railway and the benefits of the line being extended further up the dale and a connection with the main line railway station in Northallerton.
Find out more about the centre and Bedale at www.bedale.org.