Guests joined the team behind the Fal River Visitor Information Centre (FRVIC) at a special birthday party to celebrate a successful first year in operation.
Since opening last August, following the closure of Falmouth’s Tourist Information Centre, the team have welcomed over 85,000 people through the door, received over 3,500 phone calls and had 4,000 emails.
The centre on Prince of Wales Pier was rescued by Cornwall Ferries Ltd, the company behind the Fal River Cornwall marketing initiative, Fal River Festival and King Harry Ferry, with support from Falmouth Town Council, Falmouth BID and Visit Cornwall.
Nicola Kneebone, FRVIC manager, said: “On behalf of all the staff and the team at Fal River Cornwall, can I say a big thank you to all those who have supported us through our first year.
“It has been a huge success, mainly due to the fantastic staff and band of merry volunteers, and extended support network from Fal River Cornwall, without whom we simply wouldn’t be where we are now.
“I also want to say a huge thank you to all the accommodation providers, retails outlets and attractions for their continued support for the centre, who I hope are now seeing the returns for their efforts.”
The FRVIC has also added almost £20k to the local economy through over 140 direct accommodation referrals on top of direct bookings through www.falmouth.co.uk.
Richard Gates, Falmouth Town Centre manager, said: “The work that Nicola and the team at the Fal River Visitor Information Centre have undertaken since opening is invaluable.
“Having a point of contact within Falmouth to assist visitors as well as the local population shows a positive customer facing approach and one that must not be underestimated.”
