A visitor center or centre (see American and British English spelling differences), visitor information center, tourist information center or tourist information, may be:

• A visitor center at a specific attraction or place of interest, such as a landmark, national park, national forest, or state park, providing information (such as trail maps, and about camp sites, staff contact, restrooms, etc.) and in-depth educational exhibits and artifact displays (for example, about natural or cultural history). Often a film or other media display is used. If the site has permit requirements or guided tours, the visitor center is often the place where these are coordinated.

• A tourist information center, providing visitors to a location with information on the area's attractions, lodgings, maps, and other items relevant to tourism. Often, these centers are operated at the airport or other port of entry, by the local government or chamber of commerce. Often a visitor center is called simply an information center.

Europe

In the United Kingdom, there is a nationwide network of Tourist Information Centres run by the British Tourist Authority (BTA), represented online by the VisitBritain website and public relations organisation. Other TICs are run by local authorities or through private organisations such as local shops in association with BTA.

The English Tourism Council is a subsidiary part of the British Tourist Authority and promotes domestic tourism under the Enjoy England banner.

In Wales, the National Assembly for Wales supports TICs through Visit Wales.

In Scotland, the Scottish Government supports VisitScotland, the official tourist organisation of Scotland, which also operates Tourist Information Centres across Scotland.

North America

In North America, a welcome center is a rest area with a visitor center, located after the entrance from one state or province to another state or province or in some cases another country, usually along an interstate highway. These information centers are operated by the state they are located in.

South America

Peru features iperu, tourist information and assistance, a free service that provides tourist information for domestic and foreign travelers, the information covers destinations, attractions, recommended routes and tourism companies in Peru. It also provides assistance on various procedures or where tourists have problems of various kinds. Receive complaints and suggestions for destinations and tourism companies operating in Peru (lodging, travel agencies, airlines, buses, etc.).

See also

• Heritage centre

• Heritage interpretation

• Interpretation centre

• Nature center

• Tourist information