BUSINESS specialists say confidence within the county's tourist trade remains high despite the closure this week of Visit Herefordshire.

And Liz Hill, who is behind the Rural Concierge, believes Visit Herefordshire's demise offers a chance to develop the county's offering in a more "forward-thinking way".

Based in Hereford's historic Butter Market, Ms Hill runs the tourism hub in partnership with Hereford City Council and offers information on all aspects of the county to visitors, from eating out and accommodation to events and walking routes.

She said that over the past year, the business has dealt with more than 25,000 tourist enquiries from all over the world via email, phone and the traditional "face to face" chat.

MORE: Herefordshire tourism organisation to close

"We also sell many Hereford gifts and souvenirs, as well as maps and books either with a local theme or written by local authors," she added.

"Although the demise of well-established Visit Herefordshire is unfortunate, I believe this can also be an opportunity to develop the tourism offer in the county in a more forward-thinking way, especially with the exciting addition of the new university, new Premier Inn and ongoing refurbishment at the Green Dragon Hotel.

“We are excited about another busy season, especially now Hereford BID have arranged good signage in the city."

And Heidi Chamberlain-Jones, from the independent tourism marketing organisation, Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire, added that the closure of organisations like Visit Herefordshire was happening across the country.

"This is certainly not uncommon," she said.

"It is increasingly usual for previously funded county tourism bodies to be replaced by self-funded specialist companies who operate more sustainable models and deliver a better service."

But Ms Chamberlain-Jones is confident that Herefordshire's tourism industry is well supported and need not fear the consequences of the closure.

"We provide a large Herefordshire website portal, publish a national 100 page annual Herefordshire guide book, attend industry and public shows across the country to showcase Herefordshire and engage with group travel companies to bring visitors into and around the county," she said.

"We also host press visits, liaise with filming and production companies to make programmes in the area, provide member business support with training, networking meetings and familiarisation experiences and much more as a fully rounded destination marketing service for Herefordshire."