Tourism & Heritage Minister John Penrose MP performed the official opening ceremony for Bath’s newly refurbished Visitor Information Centre yesterday (12 March), at the start of English Tourism Week. With more than 535 000 visitors a year, our Centre ranks second busiest in the country.
The Visitor Information Centre occupies a prime location close to the Abbey and the Roman Baths and is the first port of call for the 4.5 million who come each year. Tourism contributes over £357 million to the local economy of Bath and North East Somerset, providing more than 8000 jobs and 10 per cent of the total employment in the city.
The new-look Centre now houses the Bath Box Office and the Visitor Information Centre under one roof, providing a one stop-shop for visitors and residents to buy tickets for the many festivals and events, tours and attractions in Bath as well as displaying visitor information and offering a booking service for accommodation.
This smart new facility is the face of tourism in Bath and now reflects the quality of what’s on offer in the city!
George Souris was first elected to Parliament in 1988 as the Member for Upper Hunter. He brings a wealth of experience to the role of Minister for Tourism.
George began his political career as a Councilor of Singleton Shire Council for seven years which included his position as Deputy President for four years. His other community commitments have included being a member of Rotary and past president of various community organisations including Pre-School Committee and Red Shield Appeal.
George also has a keen interest in sport including being awarded a University Sports Blue Award in Rugby and has represented the Gordon Club, New South Wales Country, Australian Universities and the Australian Colts rugby teams. George is also a past member of Sydney University Regiment.
During his time at Parliament, George Souris has held a wide range of significant portfolios and positions, including his elected position of Deputy Leader of the National Party in 1993 and Leader of the National Party in 1999. Portfolios have included Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing and Minister Assisting the Premier, Minister for Finance and Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Minister for Land and Water Conservation, Shadow Minister for Public Works & Roads, Shadow Treasurer, Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs and Services and Shadow Minister for Gaming, Shadow Minister for State Development and Shadow Minister for Gaming & Racing, Sport & Recreation & Major Events.
George has held several esteemed positions within the community, including Vice-Chairman of New South Wales Public Accounts Committee and was a former appointee to the Council of University of Newcastle as New South Wales Parliament’s representative.
George recognises the importance of tourism to the NSW economy and will work to ensure that Sydney and NSW continue to grow as Australia's number one tourism destination.
