The Delta Visitor Centre, operated by the Delta Chamber of Commerce, saw a 12 per cent decrease in individual visits last year.
In a report presented to Delta council, the visitor centre at the corner of 60th Avenue and River Road saw a total of 2,251 individuals in 2011, compared to 2,557 the previous year. In 2010, the centre experienced a four per cent drop from 2009.
There was also a four per cent drop in 2011 in the number of parties (two or more people together).
Meanwhile, the total number of phone calls to the centre was down seven per cent in 2011.
According to the report, the U.S. and global economy, cost of gas, a new and larger visitor centre at the Peace Arch border crossing and easy access to web services for visitors are reasons for the trend.
Approximately 72 per cent of users were local residents, which was followed by visitors from Europe, and then the United States/Mexico, other parts of B.C., Alberta and the rest of Canada, followed by Asia/Australia.
The top five needs for information were transportation (ferries, roads, directions), followed by attractions, accommodation, parks and site facilities.
Among the publications available is the Visitor's Choice information guide for Delta, a joint approach to tourism by the chamber and the Corporation of Delta.
The chamber has been operating the Tourism B.C.accredited centre, co-sponsored by the municipality and the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, on behalf of Delta since 2001. It's operated 2,000 hours annually by staff, students and volunteers.
Delta council this year approved giving another $47,500 in operating funding for the centre. The agreement does not include tourism marketing.