BOURNEMOUTH’S tourist information office is set to close as council bosses seek to streamline the tourism department and make it more efficient.

The tourism department is being “transformed” by the council, which means that councillors are looking to cut costs and ensure that all possible money-making opportunities are considered.

Closing the Westover Road tourist information centre and providing an alternative service from pop-up shops, temporary kiosks or in shop premises could save £50,000 a year, it is claimed.

Cllr Lawrence Williams cabinet member for tourism, leisure and culture, said: “It will save a considerable amount of money over the forth-coming years and it’s quite exciting – the idea of having pop-up shops and temporary kiosks around the town giving customers the opportunity to find us where they want us.”

Alison Gandolfi, vice-chair of the Bournemouth Accommodation and Hotel Association, said: “The important thing is that tourists and visitors need a point of call so they can go to pick up information.

“That doesn’t need to be where it is now but it does need to be in the town centre and close to the beach.

“People do use the TIC and it is an asset to the town that we can’t afford to lose. We would need to ensure that the service is provided in a convenient, central location.”

Other cost-cutting ideas include restructuring the service unit and making some staff redundant to save £150,000, hosting weddings at the Russell Cotes Museum and outsourcing the seafront cash handling service.

Officers believe there are also savings to be made from changing the types of fruit machines in the Pier amusement arcade to reduce the amount of gaming duty that has to be paid.

The business case was approved by scrutiny panel members on Tuesday and then by cabinet.