Information centres can best promote internal tourism

Nicky Hayward writes eloquently (Caterer, 17 May, page 20) on the need for recovery funding in England's tourism business.

Travel agencies are simply not interested in promoting internal tourism, with the resulting small mark-up. But we have a ready-made network of organisations - the tourist information centres - which are well placed to undertake the effective promotion of this country on a nationwide basis.

If money was invested in the IT hardware and software necessary to enable them to communicate directly with, and hold information on, other regions, they would be able to provide a much improved service to tourists and they could raise revenue through placing bookings. If local residents also knew that this service was available, it would be much easier for them to plan holidays in this country.

Rosie Inge, Churton Inge Associates, by e-mail.