THE review into the tourism budget in Monmouthshire produced a lively and relevant debate, members of the county council cabinet heard last week.

Leader, Councillor Peter Fox said there was considerable consultation with more than 40 organisations and they received active feedback during the review and consultation which lasted six weeks. It had also proved to be very useful feedback as there was very productive consultation.

He paid tribute to the staff in the county's Tourist Information Centres. "We recognise the excellent staff in our TICs who are always ready for a challenge to move to another level.

"I would also like to thank the officers for the speed with which they turned around this report and recommendations following the consultation."

He said there had been some scaremongering when the review was first announced, stating that the TICs were threatened with closure, but he emphasised that they recognised the importance of tourism to the county.

Councillor Phylip Hobson said the use of the wrong word can set off fear and talking about the future of TICs had set off alarm bells. Councillor Tony Easson, chairman of the economic and development select committee said there was furore at their first meeting because the message that had gone out was that the council was going to close TICs.

He said, "There were three key findings, we need to look at brown signage and Grosmont Castle is another hidden treasure. In future it might be possible to run the Abergavenny tourist information centre from the new library."

Kellie Beirne, chief officer for regeneration and culture said the staff were thrilled with the outcome of the review and were now chomping at the bit to get going with the recommendations to broaden the service they offer to visitors.

The council has set the tourism budget at £180,000, the same level as last year and the savings and income will be reinvested in both physical and virtual tourist information centres.

The role of supervisor in the three centres will now be known as Tourism Business Development Co-ordinator.

Councillor Bryan Jones said the TICs are highly regarded by tourism operators within Monmouthshire.

The cabinet agreed with all the recommendations in the report which included undertaking more work to give better interpretation to less visible tourist attractions such as Clydach and Roman Caerwent.

The council is also engaging the University of Wales' Institute of Digital Learning to look at new opportunities for digital development.

The shared service between MCC and the Brecon Beacons National Park authority will continue at Abergavenny.