Welcoming tourists at airport arrivals and information centers
Making a good first impression for tourists is part of an airport’s important functions. Thus, one of the main areas in an airport is the tourist information center or booth. Seeing it upon arrival at the lobby makes one feel welcome and more at ease especially for first-time visitors and tourists. A strategic location for tourist information booths denotes a functional airport design. It’s also good to have friendly and accommodating staff behind the booths. After all, they represent the place and possibly are the first locals the tourists speak to.
It’s always good to see tourist information centers that are equipped with the basics such as travel guides, magazines, maps, brochures, special events schedule and other trip essentials for tourists. Though not all international airports provide these publications for free, we’re glad to get ourselves complimentary copies of Finland maps and magazines at the Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport. Later on, I noticed that these travel guides can be availed at no cost at any Finnish bus terminal and information center, whether in Helsinki, Tampere, Turku or Pori. Kudos to the Finnish Tourism Authority for making these free information-packed travel guides accessible for tourists.
How I wish there were also some free Prague and Berlin travel guides during my visit to these places. The Thai Tourism Authority also provided gracious welcome to newly-arrived visitors at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport during our 2006 trip. We were given a travel kit which included some brochures and an informative CD about Thailand. Other than complimentary travel brochures, tourists also feel good as they walk through airport arrivals with welcoming banner stands and signs.
Tourist information centers need to be attractive to visitors and furnished with eye-catching displays and literature holders. The design can be similar to those of trade show booths from Camelback Displays showcasing products in an appealing manner. Additional exhibits beside the area can also provide more interest to tourists such as pipe and drape booths showcasing the creativity of local artists. Information booth tables can also be covered with table skirts printed with colorful photos of local travel destinations.
I totally agree that a country’s airport should take care to represent well that country. It’s your first impression of the place when you land! A place that’s clean, colorful, interestingly decorated, and yes, that provides ample resources for a new visitor in the way of information about the city and its surroundings is key. That way, you’re not wandering around feeling lost and helpless!
Hi Diva!
Yup, the airport is the first and the last place where tourists experience a country’s hospitality.
One thing I usually look for when I arrive in a new place is the tourist information center. I’m fond of collecting travel guides and I usually read up a lot about the place coz I don’t want to get lost or disoriented! 🙂
It makes sense for the country’s tourist board to ensure that there are plenty of free maps, brochures and guides on hand at the airport. This can only encourage the tourists to get out and about visiting attractions and spending money, which will boost the country’s economy! And if they got a friendly welcome and had a nice time, they’re more likely to come back again. A bad first impression could be hard to recover from.