Added: 02/08/2006 |
Tourist Information offices are awarded between one and four stars depending on their opening period and the provided servicesIf you want to spend your vacation with pleasure, if you want to see as much as possible, but don?t know how to do it, people working in Tourist Information offices will listen to you and make sure your travel will be everything you want it to be. Besides, specialists can help you avoid common mistakes. Don?t waste your time for nothing! Make your vacation memorable and exciting!
Tourist Information offices are awarded between one and four stars depending on their opening period and the services the offices provide. One star Tourist Information offices open every day, mornings or afternoons, during high season only. Two stars ones open mornings and afternoons, at least 6 days a week, during high season; and mornings or afternoons during low season. Three stars Tourist Information offices open every day, mornings and afternoons, during high season; and mornings or afternoons during low season. And finally four stars offices open every day, mornings and afternoons, all year round (also open between noon and 2 pm during high season). All of the Tourist Information offices provide mail response service and local brochures (bilingual at the 2-star office, trilingual at 3 and 4-star offices).
At 3 and 4-star Tourist Information offices, you can get specific local information, including listings of hotels and restaurants, leisure activities, car and bike rental, bus timetables, laundries and countless other things; many can also book accommodation for you. Most offices will provide a free town plan, if asked, and will have maps and local walking guides on sale. In mountain regions they display daily meteorological information and often share premises with the local hiking and climbing organizations. In the big cities you can usually also pick up free What's On guides.
The Tourist Information offices are signposted from the road and marked according to category. Look for the I-sign when travelling in Norway, the international sign for authorized Tourist information offices. This sign informs you that the tourist office can guarantee service in foreign languages, knowledge of the tourism product, quality information material, regular opening hours and good service. Green sign means that the tourist office is open throughout the year with extended opening hours during the high season (June 20th - August 20th). These offices offer both local information and information about other destinations. Red signs signify that the office has opening hours limited to the summer season and that information offered and knowledge among the personnel is mainly related to the local area.
Tourist Information offices are generally located in the major cities or at the gateway to their tourist region. For their part, Tourist welcome offices provide you with information about the municipality where they are located. These local centres also have the official tourist guide for their region. Tourist Information offices also offer a wealth of information (most of it free) to prospective travelers. Take the opportunity to get as much information as you can prior to your departure. It will save you time, money, and potential hassles later on. You may find what you are looking for online. Most of the Tourist offices websites offer an online order form. Not surprisingly, most of these sites are available in English.
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