Arlington County Launches Visitor Services Pilot Program in Crystal City
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 18, 2008
Arlington County Launches Visitor Services
Pilot Program in Crystal City
Pilot Program in Crystal City
- Innovative, High-Tech Concept Take Visitor Services to the Streets -
Crystal City (Arlington, VA) – The Arlington Convention and Visitors Service (ACVS) today launched an innovative visitor service pilot in Crystal City: “rolling concierges” on Segway personal transporters. Applying cutting-edge technology to proactively serve Arlington visitors near Crystal City hotels, the pilot will help guide Arlington’s long-term visitor services strategy. With support from the Crystal City Business Improvement Districts (BID), the program is focused on driving increased visitor spending to stores, restaurants and attractions in the Crystal City neighborhood that is home to the majority of the County’s hotel rooms.
Visitors to Crystal City will be greeted by staff on Segways wearing bright red shirts sporting the international “i” information symbol. The Segway riders will scout the areas around the Crystal City Metro stop, Crystal Drive, 23rd Street, and Eads Street during peak pedestrian traffic hours from 2 to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Using an “on-board” tablet computer and wireless phones, they will assist neighborhood visitors with restaurant recommendations and reservations, directions to nearby stores and attractions, and information about hotels, evening entertainment, transportation and more.
“We are very excited to be part of this pilot. Not only does it fit our mission to personalize the Crystal City experience with fresh and fun approaches, it’s a wonderful opportunity to help tourists kickoff their journey around Crystal City,” said Angela Fox, Crystal City BID President/CEO. “Whether they are looking for one of our great restaurants or want to follow our ‘Flight Path’ and see the 50 artistic airplane sculptures, these friendly and knowledgeable Segway guides are there to help enhance the visitor’s Crystal City experience.”
“We are very excited to be part of this pilot. Not only does it fit our mission to personalize the Crystal City experience with fresh and fun approaches, it’s a wonderful opportunity to help tourists kickoff their journey around Crystal City,” said Angela Fox, Crystal City BID President/CEO. “Whether they are looking for one of our great restaurants or want to follow our ‘Flight Path’ and see the 50 artistic airplane sculptures, these friendly and knowledgeable Segway guides are there to help enhance the visitor’s Crystal City experience.”
“Arlington is known for thinking outside the box in so many areas,” said ACVS director Emily Cassell. “As the County’s tourism organization, we’re thrilled to explore this fresh new approach to serving visitors.” Although Arlington has operated a centralized visitors center at Pentagon Row since 2003, research shows that fewer than 2 percent of the County’s visitors (approximately 27,000 in fiscal year 2008) actually go there. “The decentralized nature of Arlington – with its many Metro-centered “urban villages” instead of one downtown – means we need to take services directly to where visitors are staying,” said Cassell. “This pilot will help us create a long-term solution with just the right combination of personal attention and technology.”
An event to kick off the pilot program was held today in Crystal City. ACVS will assess initial results in Fall 2008, with the pilot continuing indefinitely.
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About the Crystal City BID
Established in April of 2006, the Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is creating a soul for Crystal City. A public-private partnership, the BID is providing a higher level of service to visitors, workers and residents in Crystal City - driving to become world-class destination in both Arlington and the greater DC region. For more information, visit www.crystalcity.org.
About Arlington Convention & Visitors Service
Located at the heart of the national capital region, Arlington, Virginia, is a convenient and vibrant destination for business and leisure travelers. In addition to providing easy access to the Washington, D.C., area’s most popular attractions, Arlington offers a unique mix of history, culture and fun. It is home to national treasures, world-class shopping, diverse dining, cutting-edge arts and cultural attractions, and eclectic local flavor. It’s the smart place to stay when visiting the capital region. www.arlingtonva.us.
Located at the heart of the national capital region, Arlington, Virginia, is a convenient and vibrant destination for business and leisure travelers. In addition to providing easy access to the Washington, D.C., area’s most popular attractions, Arlington offers a unique mix of history, culture and fun. It is home to national treasures, world-class shopping, diverse dining, cutting-edge arts and cultural attractions, and eclectic local flavor. It’s the smart place to stay when visiting the capital region. www.arlingtonva.us.
