HOUSTON (October 20, 2017) – Houston First Corporation (HFC) is pleased to partner with Houston Airport System (HAS) to launch “Houston Interactive,” a technology-driven welcome center based in the former Southwest Airlines luggage office at William P. Hobby Airport. Built with touchscreen and LED technology, “Houston Interactive” directly engages visitors, delivering a snapshot of the city at their fingertips.
“Houston is a vibrant city that welcomes visitors from all over the world every year. In fact one in every four people here were born in another nation. Our city celebrates diversity and culture through its world-class restaurants, entertainment attractions, neighborhoods and business enterprises large and small,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. “‘Houston Interactive’ encourages visitors to explore our city and create their own Houston experience.”
“Houston Interactive” offers a user-friendly, 55-inch touchscreen interface that enables users to virtually explore Houston’s various neighborhoods and diverse offerings at one time. Among the features is an extensive and diverse list of restaurants, as well as a list of arts and cultural attractions and greenspaces. Users can then compile their selections into their unique ‘My Houston Bucket List’ that can be sent directly to their personal email. The new “Houston Interactive” center will be fully staffed by the friendly faces of employees and volunteers who are knowledgeable about our city. “Houston Interactive” will be open daily: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
“As one of the country’s largest and most diverse cities, Houston offers visitors a dynamic repertoire of culinary, arts and cultural amenities. ‘Houston Interactive’s’ user-friendly interface will enhance the overall visitor experience, and allow users to easily explore our city and quickly discover lesser-known neighborhoods,” said Dawn Ullrich, President and CEO of Houston First Corporation.
“Houston welcomes thousands of visitors annually – many of which are travelling through our airports every day--and this will be their first glimpse of the city,” said Mario Diaz, Director of Aviation of Houston Airport System. The new ‘Houston Interactive’ at Hobby Airport is a simple, concierge-like platform that allows quick searches and discoveries, enabling visitors to easily plan their Houston experience before leaving the airport.”
The interactive center will also offer iPads for visitor access to various websites, including those for Visit Houston, Google Maps, Houston Airport System, Houston events calendar, and Avenida Houston.
The iPads will also provide access to the newly launched Houston Marketplace website, allowing visitors to build a customized itinerary that complements their interests and budget. Visitors can choose from a curated selection of attractions, including tours, museums and bike trips among others, and even have itineraries delivered to their smart phone. “Houston Interactive” will also offer Official Houston Visitor’s Guide and Hola Houston guide books, as well as city maps for visitors to take upon arrival.