Proposed Closure of Cromer Tourist Information Centre to Save Funds

The final tourist information centre in a popular holiday destination may be shut down as a cost-saving measure. North Norfolk District Council is evaluating the closure of the Cromer facility, which it reported costs £170,000 annually to operate. A report presented to councillors indicated that the majority of tourist locations no longer maintain comparable centres, deeming this type of facility “anachronistic and expensive.” Tim Adams, the Liberal Democrat leader of the council, stated that “things have changed quite drastically in the way people access all of the information if they were planning a holiday,” observing that most individuals now conduct online searches. He further explained that the council must reduce expenditures to avoid the eventual “risk bankruptcy if we don’t balance our budget.” “If we reach that position we’ll be at extreme risk of losing things such as Holt Country Park, Cromer Pier and public toilets,” he warned. The council has already formulated plans to reduce expenses for public toilets but last week rejected proposals to sell leases for its beach huts. A report prepared for the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee indicated that 82,854 individuals utilized the North Norfolk Visitor Centre, located in the Meadow Car Park in Cromer, during 2023. However, the visitor count fluctuates considerably throughout the year, with 14,755 visitors registered in August compared to only 2,140 in December. The report also mentioned that while data suggested over 9.4 million visitors traveled to North Norfolk, “there was little to suggest” the centre’s contribution to attracting these individuals. Adams reiterated, “Things have changed quite drastically in the way people access all of the information if they were planning a holiday – the first place they’d go is Google.” The potential closure of the tourist information centre is anticipated to be confirmed early next year, coinciding with the council’s formulation of its 2025-26 budget plans. The centre is part of a complex that includes award-winning public toilets, but Adams affirmed that these facilities would not be impacted by the centre’s shutdown. He stated, “The future of that public toilet facility is assured.”