COUNTY tourism has been dealt a blow with the announcement that Visit Herefordshire will close next month.

In an announcement made on Twitter today, Visit Herefordshire said: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Visit Herefordshire from Monday 1 April 2019.

"We appreciate that this will come as a surprise to many members, but it is a decision which has been reached after much deliberation, consideration and partner consultation.

"We have achieved some fantastic results with our members over the years, and we have every hope of success for tourism in the county.

"All members are currently being contacted with further details."

Formed in 2011, the not-for-profit company was set up to promote tourism in Herefordshire and the Wye Valley following the closure of Hereford's Tourist Information Centre in 2010

Originally occupying the former Tourist Information Centre's King Street premises, Visit Herefordshire then moved to Hereford Town Hall, when Herefordshire Council said they were unable to make further funding available for the organisation.

But hopes were high in 2017, when a collaboration between Visit Herefordshire, Hereford City Council and Liz Hill of Rural Concierge travel company saw a new tourist information centre open in the Buttermarket.

Visit Herefordshire, managed by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, currently works with more than 300 county businesses to support the tourism economy within Herefordshire.

The organisation also currently offers visitors a wealth of information on their website.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce have been contacted for comment.