The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce is heading downtown after working out of the the Kamloops Visitor Centre since 1939.

Tourism Kamloops took over operation on Jan. 1 of the centre, which is off the Trans-Canada Highway near Aberdeen Mall. The City's tourism agency plans upgrades and renovations to the building's interior to make it more attractive to visitors.

The tourism centre has been in various locations over the years, but was always run by the chamber.

The chamber of commerce is setting up shop at 615 Victoria St., where it will be better able to connect with the business community.

"We have been honoured to fulfil this contract with Tourism B.C. and the City for the past 73 years," chamber president Maurice Hindle said in press release from the City.

"Tourism Kamloops is the established tourism marketing organization in our city and it is a logical transition to have the visitor centre under their auspices."

The City of Kamloops contributes about $430,000 annually in support of tourism services, and significant investment in the Tournament Capital Program.

In 2011 alone, over 28,000 people took part in tournaments or events in Kamloops.