VISITOR SERVICES IN THE WOODLANDS HITS RECORD NUMBERS IN 2007

(From l. to r.) Karen Hoylman, President and CEO of The South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce; Nelda Blair, Chairman of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau; Connie DeGuerre, Director of Information Centers for The Chamber and Nick Wolda, President of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau.

THE WOODLANDS, TX (January 14, 2008)…2007 marked a record year for visitor services in The Woodlands, according to The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau and the South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce.

The two organizations recently announced plans to partner in an effort to build upon the distribution of materials to those visiting The Woodlands.

In 2007, more than 54,000 visitors from 59 countries, over 200 Texas zip codes and 47 states visited The Woodlands Mall Information Center and the Concierge Desk & Information Center at Market Street. Moreover, more than 13,500 welcome bags filled with content specifically geared for visitors, those relocating to the area, residents or convention groups, were presented at the two Information Centers. The bags also were presented to visiting convention groups.

“The CVB is doing a remarkable job of marketing The Woodlands as a destination and bringing new visitors and potential residents to our area,” notes Connie DeGuerre, Director of Information Centers for the Chamber. “With its partnership, we can provide a high level of service to visitors through The Woodlands Mall Information Center and the Market Street Concierge Desk & Information Center.”

Besides the welcome bags, the two centers provide a restaurant guide and reservation service, a weekly printed Event Calendar and information on The Woodlands Trolley and Waterway Cruisers. They also provide maps, assistance with shopping suggestions, transportation, weather forecasts, and more.

The centers are open seven days a week, including evenings, with the exception of Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“The two Information Centers are the first points of contact for many visitors to The Woodlands,” says Nelda Blair, Chairperson of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau. “In fact, one new resident who received assistance from the Information Center said, ‘I have been away from this area for several years and I’d almost forgotten how nice it is to receive Southern hospitality!’”

Nick Wolda, President of The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau, adds the success of The Woodlands visitors information program starts with identifying the right staff.

“Nothing else works if the experience at the two Information Centers is not outstanding,” remarks Wolda. “Those who staff the Centers are the ones who make it happen.”

Attractions in The Woodlands include championship golf; The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater that provides an array of performing arts and contemporary entertainment while accommodating 16,500 patrons; The Woodlands Waterway?; world-class shopping as well as casual and upscale dining options. For additional information on visiting The Woodlands log onto www.VisitTheWoodlands.com.