80% drop in visitors prompts closing of Sturbridge tourist center

Photo | Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism via Flickr Old Sturbridge Village will reduce its hours this fall.

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By Sam Bonacci

On the back of dropping foot traffic and increased reliance on smartphones, the Chamber of Central Mass South has announced the decision to close the Sturbridge Tourist Information Center in November.

“With the increased prevalence of smartphones providing instant hand-held maps and information, foot traffic to the information center has decreased from about 26,000 visitors eight years ago to less than 5,000 this year,” the organization stated in a release announcing the closure of the information center.

The chamber said it will continue to serve tourism needs for the area, maintaining the area’s tourism website, Facebook page, the toll-free tourist information phone number, and continue email responses and quarterly tourism e-mail blasts. The chamber will continue to work with the Sturbridge Tourist Association to secure funds to market the area and attract visitors, the organization announced.

The closure coincides with a move for the chambers offices from Route 20 to 46 Hall Road in Sturbridge. The new space will feature a fully equipped board room as well as a member work station that can be reserved for use by chamber members who are between meetings or appointments.

According to the organization, both the relocation and closure decisions were made following discussions with the chamber’s board, Old Sturbridge Village and town officials.