I have been researching the issue of Halifax Regional Municipality and the Province of Nova Scotia reducing Visitor Information Services as a cost saving measure. In fact, I believe strongly that VICs are good for business and tax revenue generation for government at all levels.
Statistics indicate that a person utilizing VICs extends their visit by roughly two days ( or additional expenditures on average of $150.00 per visitor) For every 5000 visitors counseled that amounts to 1.8% in direct tax revenue net to the city Halifax as an example . ($750,000.00 in spending resulting in $13,500.00 city tax $$)
Given that the Nova Scotia tourism marketplace has experienced little positive growth since the events of 911, it seems counter productive to reduce a service that positively impacts total visitor spending. Simply passing the buck to another level of government or marketing agency, while actually reducing services available, is counter productive. I believe a partnership approach is the best solution to increase the service within a cost benefit framework. The province and the city should be partnering to identify and support museums such as Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum (a decision to close the site and other similar sites throughout the city was taken in 2010) who can deliver services at a lower cost then those of a stand alone VIC.
See a discussion document I have creates to support this view here…..