posted May 16, 2008
Hamilton Place Mall officials and iconic attraction mascots opened the new “Tourist Information Center & Guest Services” located inside of Hamilton Place Mall. The Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau was able to open this additional tourist information center because of a strong partnership with Hamilton Place Mall.
This new location was officially opened this week in connection with National Tourism Week. National Tourism Week is a collective effort to promote the power of travel through customized events in communities nationwide. The goal is to enhance the country’s economy, security and perception, and recognize the cultural and social benefits created by travel and tourism.
“We’re pleased to be able to offer tourists an additional place to get information on Chattanooga. This location is especially beneficial because it’s convenient and easily accessible for people who are traveling North or South on I-75,” said Bob Doak, president & CEO of the Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It was made possible because of our partnership with Hamilton Place Mall and our mutual goal to bring more tourists to Chattanooga. We want to provide information on Chattanooga’s hotels, attractions and the all the numerous things we offer visitors in hopes they will extend their visit or come back on their next vacation.”
Hamilton Place Mall is Tennessee’s largest shopping complex. It is located right off of I-75 and only 15 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. The mall welcomes visitors with six major department stores, over 200 additional stores and 30 restaurants – all in one convenient location.
“Hamilton Place is thrilled to partner with the Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau on the new Tourist Information Center. We are continually looking for innovative ways to improve the overall shopping experience for our shoppers, which include both visitors and locals alike,” said Catharine Pangratz, group marketing director for Hamilton Place Mall. “The new Tourist Information Center enables us to provide the most up-to-date resources on local area attractions and special events to Hamilton Place shoppers.”
The new Tourist Information Center & Guest Services kiosk is located inside of Hamilton Place Mall. Enter through the main entrance on the upper level near the Piccadilly restaurant. The kiosk includes the following – information specialists; two LCD plasma screens that will run the Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau’s consumer videos and commercials; brochure slots and a touch-screen computer that gives visitors exclusive access to Chattanooga’s official tourism website, www.chattanoogafun.com.
Tourism is a vital economic driver in Chattanooga. The latest figures released by the Travel Industry of America reported that visitors to Hamilton County spent $690 million that contributed to the funding of nearly 7,500 jobs in the tourism industry. The economic effects reach far throughout the community and enhance the quality of life by expanding our opportunities for growth.
To celebrate National Tourism Week, there will be booths set up at the three local Welcome Centers through Sunday, May 18: I-24 Tiftonia, I-24 Nickajack and I-75 East Ridge. Visitors stopping by will receive refreshments, coupons and many more thank-you gifts.
On Friday, May 16, the Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau will be celebrating National Tourism Week in the downtown Visitors Center. Refreshments will be available and guests will have the opportunity to mingle with local iconic mascots from Rock City Gardens, Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Creative Discovery Museum and Lake Winnepesaukah.
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