The St. George's Foundation has taken over management of Visitor Information Centres (VIC) at the East end.

Two new centres are to open providing tourists with information on the town of St. George, a World Heritage Site, and activities in the parish.

The World Heritage Centre will serve as the primary VIC while a satellite post will operate from the Deliverance replica on Ordnance Island.

Former St. George Mayor E. Michael Jones operated the concession when it was on Water Street.

Yesterday he welcomed the move: "I think that this will certainly make some difference in the way that tourists explore St. George's," he said. "It may take a while but it should help."

Business owners have been calling for an improved VIC for some time.

Many believed its previous location on Water Street was too out of the way for tourists, who often bypassed St. George and headed straight for beach.

It's now hoped that having VIC located in a higher traffic area will translate into more visitors and more money coming to the town.

"Having the St. George's Foundation manage the visitor information services in St. George's guarantees that our visitors have a first-class information experience," said Tourism director William Griffith.

The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce has lined up new activities for visitors following several market research and focus group studies completed in the United States.

According to a Government press release the results of the market research indicated that tourists are looking for more historical and cultural activities to see and do while on vacation.

St. George's has been hit hard by dwindling cruise ship and tourist visits. Mayor Kenneth Bascome has been campaigning in recent months for the town to capitalise on its rich history and standing as a World Heritage Site.