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Visitor Information

Planning a trip to the five boroughs can be part of the fun, but there’s a lot of ground to cover. Check out our overview of the essentials, and dig deeper to find detailed info on transportation and other practicalities.

Welcome to NYC

The City is open and ready to be explored. Read on for plenty of pre-trip planning as well as how to navigate while here. And see the side navigation contents for quick links to information on transportation, weather, public restrooms and much more.

Getting to NYC

Whether you live across the Hudson or across the Atlantic, getting to NYC is easy. If you’re coming from outside the United States, check this page for visa information. Head to our coverage of arriving by plane, train, bus or car for all the details on airports, regional transit, city train stations and parking.

Getting Around NYC

New York is an excellent walking city, and getting around by foot is the best way to familiarize yourself with neighborhoods and their (sometimes subtle) divisions. Of course, sometimes you’ll need to move more quickly or cover great distances, for which you’ve got subways, buses and cabs at your disposal. Check out our guide for everything you’ll need to navigate public transit, hail a taxi or take the ferry across the harbor.

International Visitors and Arrivals from Abroad

Visas and ESTA Visitors to New York City from outside the United States may need a visa to enter the country. For details, visit the  US Department of State’s website . Some 40 countries (including Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the UK and members of the EU) are part of the visa-waiver program; instead of a visa, citizens of these countries can apply online for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) up to 72 hours in advance of travel to the US (valid for stays of up to 90 days). The application fee is $21. Canadians just require a valid passport to enter the US.

Trusted Traveler Programs Fly through the lines at JFK, LGA and Newark. The Department of Homeland Security has introduced several programs that can help expedite security and customs screenings when traveling to and from the US, including New York City. The programs, customized based on travel needs and designed to enhance passenger experience, are available for US citizens and residents as well as those from certain foreign countries. Visit dhs.gov/tt to learn more about the options and their benefits.

US Customs and Border Protection Recent improvements by US Customs and Border Protection have helped decrease wait times to enter the United States for both visitors and citizens coming from abroad. Among these are the Trusted Traveler Programs listed above, as well as self-service kiosks located in the international arrivals terminals at area airports and an app for smartphones and tablets. Discover what to expect when arriving from an international destination by watching “You Have Arrived,” a short instructional video; to learn more about the self-service kiosks and app, watch “Global Entry – The Quickest Way Through the Airport!”

Tours and Visitor Passes Visit our Attraction Passes page to see which deal best suits your visit to NYC with this guide to passes that help you save on attraction admission prices. Most are preset but one also offers the chance to build your own itinerary. You can also join a tour with a guide and go by bus, bike, boat or other mode of transport to see the City. For a breakdown of city tours by type and theme, visit our  Tours page.  

New York City is composed of five boroughs. While Manhattan and Staten Island are islands, Brooklyn and Queens are geographically part of Long Island, and the Bronx is attached to the US mainland. The boroughs are linked by bridges, tunnels and ferries.  Manhattan Island is roughly 13.4 miles (21.6km) long and about 2.3 miles (3.7km) across at its widest point. The Hudson River runs along its western shore, forming the border with New Jersey on the other side; the East River separates Manhattan from Brooklyn and Queens, while the much narrower Harlem River forms its northern border with the Bronx. Staten Island lies to the south across New York Harbor.

Except at its northern and southern tips, the borough’s avenues run roughly north and south, and streets run east and west. One-way thoroughfares are common, with traffic moving east on even-numbered streets and west on odd-numbered streets. Fifth Avenue divides the island into east and west sides (for example, locations on 57th Street west of Fifth Avenue are designated “W. 57th St.,” and east of Fifth Avenue, they’re “E. 57th St.”). As you move farther east or west from Fifth Avenue, street addresses increase, usually in increments of 100 from one block to the next. For north-south avenues, 20 blocks equals a mile, and the street numbers increase as you go uptown. Blocks can be a useful measure of distance, but keep in mind your direction: walking uptown from 1st Street to 6th Street is about a quarter of a mile, but walking the same number of blocks crosstown, from First Avenue to Sixth Avenue, is approximately a mile.

Useful Phone Numbers

Here are some important phone numbers to keep handy during your NYC visit.

Emergencies (police, fire or ambulance): 911

NYC government agencies and any questions or requests about City services (non-emergency): 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (639-9675)

Directory assistance: 411

Printed NYC literature: 800-NYC-VISIT (692-84748) or 212-397-8222 (the latter is for international callers only), Mon.–Fri., 7:30am–5:30pm CT.

In New York City and throughout the United States, the dollar is the standard currency. This converter allows you to determine the value of other currencies compared with the dollar.

New York remains among America's safest large cities, but visitors should still use common sense to protect themselves and their property. Be aware of your surroundings, and make sure to always use licensed, reputable businesses for any services you need. For example, don’t hail livery cabs (as opposed to taxis) at the airport, and don’t rent bikes from companies that seem suspicious. If you’re not sure where to find legitimate businesses, the listings at nycgo.com are a good place to start, as are those published by the Better Business Bureau. Your hotel concierge should be able to answer questions on this topic and will be helpful if you need more information about neighborhoods in the five boroughs. Another useful resource is 311, the City’s official government services and information hotline. 

Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs

The legal minimum age for drinking alcohol in New York City (and throughout the USA) is 21. Many bars and nightclubs will ask to see photo ID before letting you in. Smoking (including all tobacco products, vaping products and marijuana) is prohibited in all public buildings, bars, restaurants and stores (plus some outdoor public areas). You must be 21 years old or over to buy cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping products, cigars or any tobacco products.

It’s now legal for adults 21 or over to possess up to 3 ounces (85g) of cannabis/marijuana (or just 0.85 ounces/24g of concentrated cannabis) for personal use in New York, and officially licensed dispensaries where you can buy recreational marijuana products have begun to open—the first appearing in late 2022. Smoking rules still apply (you can’t smoke at outdoor dining areas at restaurants, for example). Possession of more than the permitted amount, and all other narcotics, is prohibited. Note that driving a vehicle under the influence of cannabis/marijuana or alcohol is a serious offense in New York, resulting in fines, possible jail time, and deportation (for foreign visitors).

NYC Time Zone

New York City is on Eastern Standard Time (Greenwich mean time minus four hours during daylight saving time, from about mid-March into early November, and minus five hours the rest of the year). EST is three hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (California and the West Coast).

New York State

If you’d like to explore the rest of the state, visit iloveny.com, the official website for New York State tourism.

NYC PRACTICALITIES

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Public Restrooms

Throughout New York City, there are restroom facilities you can use while you’re out and about sightseeing.

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Here's a brief overview of the weather across the year in NYC.

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NYC: Above and Beyond

Build your New York City itinerary at the Empire State Building.

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WiFi in NYC

Find the best spots to get WiFi access in the City.

Come and Dream in the City That Never Sleeps

“The City that Never Sleeps” is a city that needs no introduction, of course. The Statue of Liberty has not moved, Central Park still stretches from 59th street to 110th Street (between Fifth and Eighth Avenues), and the Museum of Natural History still stands more or less across the park from the Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in Upper West and Upper East sides respectively, and the Empire State Building is still there, towering over Fifth Avenue at 34th Street.

However, even for regular visitors, things do change …

Editors’ Hotel Picks

Five Star Hotels

Luxurious Hotels. These are hotels that offer only large, luxurious to elegant guest accommodations and the pinnacle of service by any standard, often with opulent restaurants. Most Ritz Carltons, Conrads, and Four Seasons.

Four Star Hotels

Deluxe Hotels. Full-service hotels (with bellmen, concierge and room service) and palpably well-appointed rooms and gourmet restaurants. Most Hyatts and Marriotts.

Three Star Hotels

First Class Hotels. Mid-level properties with clean but basic furnishings and facilities and restaurants that serve three meals per day. Holiday Inns, Hampton Inns.

Two Star Hotels

Moderate Hotels. Usually clean, adequate, smaller hotels that may or may not have restaurants, but may serve extended continental breakfasts in the public areas. Days Inns, LaQuintas.

One Star Hotels

Economy Hotels. Often independent hotels without bellhop or room services, sometimes with exterior access to guestrooms. Econolodges, Motel 6.

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Season 8 of the Kansas City Tap Tour

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What is a tourist board? A SIMPLE explanation

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

A tourist board is an important type of travel and tourism organisation that makes up a key part of the structure of the travel and tourism industry . But what is a tourist board, what does this organisation do and why are tourist boards so important? Read on to learn more…

What is a tourist board?

What type of organisation is a tourist board, what does a tourist board do, national tourist boards, regional tourist boards, local tourist boards, what is a tourist board: further reading.

A tourist board is a tourist organisation that is founded with a view to promoting and creating the identity, and to enhance the reputation of tourism in a particular location. They are official organisations that encourages tourists to visit a particular city, country, or region. 

A tourist board is a not for profit organisation that is usually government owned. This means that the focus is on providing a service to the general public, as opposed to making a direct profit. However, indirectly, tourist boards do help to make money for the country because their aim is to promote the tourism industry, which in turn brings in revenue. Tourist boards are publicly funded, meaning that the money needed to operate comes from money that is raised through taxation. Tourist boards operate within the public sector.

A tourist board is generally a point of information for consumers or tourists. The primary aim is to promote tourism in a particular area. They may do this through a range of marketing initiatives including targeted campaigns and advertisements. Tourist boards may run adverts on TV and place advertisements on bus shelters or on the tube, for example. Tourist boards have also been known to partner with influencers such as bloggers and Instagram influencers who will promote the destination to their followers. Sometimes these can be sizeable campaigns.

Tourist boards will also provide information about a specific area, including transportation options, popular tourist attractions , and types of accommodation available in the area. Tourist boards also provide information about the history and the culture of a specific area.

Behind the scenes, tourist boards also do a lot of work to help manage and facilitate the tourism provision in a particular area. Some of their duties may include:

• Conducting market research
• Analysis and appraisal of tourism business in the area
• Liaising with other Governmental organisations
• Managing tourist representative and the provision of tourist information
• Cooperation with tourist boards in other destinations
• Developing the tourism provision in the area

Different levels of tourists boards

There are different levels of tourist boards that focus on different levels of tourism, I will explain each of these below.

National tourist boards oversee tourism at a national level, in other words, they are responsible for tourism throughout the country, or the nation. National tourist boards typically set the agenda for tourism and support the sector to improve what is has to offer. National tourist boards provide funding and help to promote a positive image of the country. They will also work closely with other areas of Government at a national level.

Examples of national tourist boards include Visit Britain , Amazing Thailand and Incredible India .

Regional tourist boards are organisations that are in charge of promoting and managing tourism at a regional level. Regional tourist boards will often work closely with national tourist boards. Their main role is to lead the regional tourism strategies in the area. Regional tourist boards will collaborate with local authorities, tourism businesses and other organisations to undertake a range of marketing, product investment and business support activities within the travel and tourism industry.

A local tourist board is a tourist board that focusses on a specific local area. Many local tourist boards will support local tourism groups and associations that help to bring together the private and public sector. Local tourist boards will address issues at grass roots and will demonstrate a higher level of understanding of tourism in a particular area than a national or regional tourist board will. They will work closely will the local authority and local Government.

Local tourist boards will often have responsibility for tourist information centres. These are centres that provide a range of information to tourists on attractions, accommodation, hospitality options etc within the local area. There will often be trained staff who work at the tourist information centres who are able to advise and help tourists. There may also be a small gift shop onsite.

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• Travel Guide

What Are Tourist Boards?

Published: November 7, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Celisse Laing

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Essentials & Accessories

Introduction

Welcome to the world of tourism! Whether you’re an avid traveler or someone looking to explore new destinations, you’ve likely come across the term “Tourist Boards.” But what exactly are Tourist Boards, and what role do they play in the vibrant world of travel and tourism?

Tourist Boards, also known as Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), are entities responsible for promoting and marketing specific regions or destinations to attract tourists. They serve as the official gateway to showcase the unique attractions, culture, heritage, and experiences that a particular place has to offer.

In a world where travelers have countless options to choose from, Tourist Boards play a crucial role in distinguishing and positioning their destinations as must-visit places, enticing both domestic and international visitors. Their efforts can make a significant impact on the local economy by driving tourism-driven revenue and creating job opportunities.

But what exactly do Tourist Boards do? Let’s dive deeper into their roles, responsibilities, and the vital functions they perform.

Definition of Tourist Boards

Tourist Boards, sometimes referred to as Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), are organizations tasked with promoting and marketing specific regions or destinations in the tourism industry. They function as the official representatives of a particular place and work to attract visitors by showcasing the unique attractions, activities, and experiences available.

These boards are typically set up at the regional, national, or local level and are responsible for developing and implementing tourism strategies. They collaborate with various stakeholders, including government bodies, local businesses, tourism operators, and community organizations, to promote their destination effectively.

Tourist Boards serve as a vital link between the destination and potential tourists. They work relentlessly to build awareness about the destination through various channels, such as advertising campaigns, social media, public relations activities, and partnerships with travel agencies and tour operators. They also provide essential information and resources to travelers, helping them plan their trips and make the most of their visit.

Furthermore, Tourist Boards play a crucial role in attracting investment in the tourism sector. By showcasing the potential and benefits of their destination, they can attract businesses and investors who see the value in capitalizing on the tourism opportunities available. This, in turn, leads to development, infrastructure improvements, and job creation in the local economy.

Overall, the primary goal of Tourist Boards is to position and promote their destination as a desirable and memorable place to visit, increasing visitor numbers and providing a positive impact on the local community and economy.

Roles and Responsibilities of Tourist Boards

Tourist Boards have a diverse range of roles and responsibilities that revolve around promoting and developing their respective destinations. Here are some of the key tasks that Tourist Boards undertake:

1. Destination Marketing: One of the primary responsibilities of Tourist Boards is to market and promote their destinations. They create compelling marketing campaigns, advertisements, and digital content to showcase the unique features, attractions, and experiences that their destination has to offer. They leverage various platforms such as social media, websites, and travel publications to reach a wide audience.

2. Visitor Information Services: Tourist Boards act as a valuable resource for travelers by providing accurate and up-to-date information about the destination. They often operate visitor information centers where tourists can obtain maps, brochures, and guides, as well as receive assistance in planning their visit. They also maintain comprehensive websites and online databases to provide information on accommodations, attractions, transportation, and events.

3. Partnership and Collaboration: Tourist Boards collaborate with various stakeholders to drive tourism growth. They work closely with local businesses, hotels, attractions, transportation providers, and tour operators to develop strategic partnerships and joint marketing initiatives. By working together, they can create attractive travel packages and provide a seamless experience for visitors.

4. Event and Convention Planning: Many Tourist Boards are responsible for attracting and hosting major events, conferences, and conventions in their destinations. They actively bid for and organize these events, which bring significant economic benefits to the local community, attract visitors, and enhance the destination’s reputation as a host for business and leisure travel.

5. Research and Data Analysis: Tourist Boards gather and analyze data on visitor trends, market insights, and economic impact to inform their marketing strategies. They conduct market research surveys, monitor tourism statistics, and analyze visitor feedback to better understand the needs and preferences of travelers. This data helps them make informed decisions and adjust their promotional efforts accordingly.

6. Sustainable Tourism Development: Tourist Boards play a vital role in promoting sustainable tourism practices. They strive to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment, culture, and local communities. They work with stakeholders to develop initiatives that promote responsible tourism, protect natural and cultural heritage, and support community development.

These are just a few of the essential roles and responsibilities undertaken by Tourist Boards. Their dedication and efforts contribute to the growth and success of their destinations, making them attractive and unforgettable places for travelers to explore.

Functions of Tourist Boards

Tourist Boards serve multiple functions to effectively promote and develop their destinations. These functions encompass a wide range of activities and initiatives aimed at attracting tourists and enhancing the overall visitor experience. Here are some key functions performed by Tourist Boards:

1. Destination Promotion: One of the primary functions of Tourist Boards is to promote their destinations to potential travelers. They utilize various marketing channels, including advertising campaigns, social media platforms, travel publications, and trade shows, to create awareness and generate interest in the destination. Their goal is to showcase the unique attractions, culture, and experiences available, and position the destination as an appealing choice for visitors.

2. Tourism Product Development: Tourist Boards play a crucial role in identifying and developing tourism products that can attract visitors. They collaborate with local businesses and stakeholders to create new experiences, enhance existing attractions, and develop infrastructure that meets the needs and preferences of tourists. The goal is to offer a diverse range of high-quality products and services that cater to different market segments and enhance the overall visitor experience.

3. Visitor Services: Tourist Boards provide essential visitor services to ensure that tourists have a smooth and enjoyable experience in their destination. They operate visitor information centers where travelers can obtain maps, brochures, and guidance on attractions, accommodations, transportation, and events. They also offer assistance in itinerary planning, bookings, and resolving visitor queries or concerns. These services are vital in helping tourists navigate the destination and make the most of their visit.

4. Research and Market Analysis: Tourist Boards conduct research and market analysis to gather insights into visitor trends, preferences, and behavior. They collect data on tourist demographics, travel patterns, and spending habits to identify target markets and tailor their marketing strategies accordingly. Research also helps them identify new tourism opportunities, assess the effectiveness of their promotional initiatives, and make informed decisions to drive sustainable tourism growth.

5. Industry Training and Support: Tourist Boards provide training, support, and resources to local businesses and tourism operators to enhance the overall quality of visitor experiences. They may offer workshops, seminars, and guidance on customer service, hospitality standards, sustainability practices, and digital marketing. By nurturing and supporting the tourism industry, Tourist Boards contribute to the development of a strong and competitive tourism sector.

6. Crisis Management: In times of crisis or unexpected events, Tourist Boards play a critical role in managing the situation and providing accurate information to visitors. Whether it’s natural disasters, health emergencies, or safety concerns, they work closely with local authorities, travel agencies, and hospitality providers to ensure the safety and well-being of tourists. They also communicate updates, advisories, and support measures to minimize the impact on tourism and maintain the destination’s reputation.

These functions collectively contribute to the overall success and growth of a destination’s tourism industry. Tourist Boards act as catalysts, driving visitor numbers, boosting the local economy, and enhancing the destination’s image as a desirable and memorable place to visit.

Challenges Faced by Tourist Boards

While Tourist Boards play a crucial role in promoting and developing destinations, they also face various challenges that can impact their effectiveness. These challenges stem from both internal and external factors and require proactive management and adaptation. Here are some common challenges faced by Tourist Boards:

1. Competition: In today’s globalized and interconnected world, destinations face intense competition from other places vying for the attention of travelers. Tourist Boards must constantly differentiate their destination from competitors and effectively communicate its unique selling points. This requires strategic marketing efforts, targeted campaigns, and staying up-to-date with industry trends to capture the attention of potential tourists.

2. Changing Consumer Behaviors and Preferences: Travelers’ expectations and preferences are constantly evolving. Tourist Boards need to keep up with changing consumer behaviors, such as the rise of experiential travel, sustainable tourism, and digitalization. Meeting these evolving preferences while also adhering to the destination’s identity and values requires careful adaptation and innovation.

3. Uncertain Political and Economic Conditions: Political instability, economic downturns, and currency fluctuations can significantly impact tourism. Tourist Boards need to navigate the challenges posed by these conditions and adapt their strategies accordingly. They must also collaborate with government agencies and stakeholders to promote stability and create favorable conditions for the tourism industry.

4. Seasonality and Overcrowding: Many destinations face the challenge of managing seasonality and overcrowding. Balancing the influx of visitors during peak seasons while maintaining sustainability and ensuring a positive visitor experience is a delicate task. Tourist Boards need to develop strategies to disperse visitation, promote off-peak travel, and manage visitor flows through careful planning and infrastructure development.

5. Environmental and Social Impacts: Tourism can have significant environmental and social impacts on destinations. Tourist Boards must address the challenges of sustainability, responsible tourism, and minimizing negative impacts on local communities and ecosystems. This requires collaboration with stakeholders, implementing sustainable tourism practices, and raising awareness among visitors.

6. Technological Advancements: The rapid advancement of technology presents both opportunities and challenges for Tourist Boards. They need to stay updated with digital marketing trends, leverage social media platforms, and utilize data analytics to effectively reach and engage potential visitors. Additionally, they must adapt to emerging technologies in areas such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence to enhance the visitor experience.

While these challenges may pose obstacles, they also provide opportunities for Tourist Boards to innovate, collaborate, and create strategies that will ensure the long-term success and sustainability of their destinations. By addressing these challenges with creativity and adaptability, Tourist Boards can continue to play a vital role in promoting and developing their destinations in the ever-changing landscape of the tourism industry.

Importance of Tourist Boards in the Tourism Industry

Tourist Boards play a pivotal role in the tourism industry, serving as the driving force behind destination promotion, development, and management. Their importance lies in their ability to make a significant impact on the local economy, attract visitors, and enhance the overall tourism experience. Here are some key reasons why Tourist Boards are vital to the tourism industry:

1. Destination Promotion: Tourist Boards are responsible for marketing and promoting their destinations to potential travelers. Through targeted advertising campaigns, social media engagement, and collaboration with travel agencies, they create awareness and generate interest in the unique attractions, culture, and experiences available. By effectively promoting a destination, Tourist Boards can attract visitors, boost tourism revenue, and stimulate economic growth.

2. Economic Impact: Tourism can be a significant source of revenue for destinations, contributing to employment opportunities, local businesses, and infrastructure development. Tourist Boards play a crucial role in driving tourism growth, attracting investment, and expanding visitor spending within the destination. The revenue generated from tourism activities benefits various sectors of the local economy, ranging from hospitality and transportation to retail and entertainment.

3. Job Creation: The tourism industry has extensive employment potential, creating opportunities for both direct and indirect job creation. Tourist Boards actively promote and support local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, thereby stimulating job growth. By attracting visitors, encouraging entrepreneurship, and collaborating with the local community, Tourist Boards contribute to job creation and provide livelihood opportunities for the local workforce.

4. Sustainable Tourism Development: Tourist Boards play a vital role in promoting sustainable tourism practices. They collaborate with stakeholders to protect the environment, support local communities, and preserve cultural heritage. By integrating sustainable practices into their strategies, Tourist Boards ensure that tourism development is balanced, responsible, and respectful of the destination’s resources and cultural integrity. This not only ensures the long-term viability of the tourism industry but also maintains the destination’s attractiveness and authenticity.

5. Visitor Experience Enhancement: Tourist Boards aim to enhance the overall visitor experience by providing comprehensive information, visitor services, and support. They operate visitor information centers, maintain informative websites, and offer assistance to travelers. Tourist Boards collaborate with local businesses and stakeholders to ensure that visitors have access to quality products and services. Through these efforts, Tourist Boards help create positive and memorable experiences for tourists, encouraging repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

6. Collaboration and Partnership: Tourist Boards collaborate with various stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, community organizations, and educational institutions. This collaboration fosters a cohesive approach to tourism development, as different entities work together towards a common goal. By fostering strong partnerships, Tourist Boards can leverage resources, align strategies, and create synergies that benefit the destination as a whole.

In summary, Tourist Boards play a crucial and multi-faceted role in the tourism industry. Through destination promotion, economic development, sustainability initiatives, and collaboration, they contribute to the growth and success of their destinations. By effectively marketing and managing tourism, Tourist Boards ensure a thriving industry that provides economic prosperity, job opportunities, and memorable experiences for visitors.

Collaboration between Tourist Boards and Other Stakeholders

Tourist Boards recognize the significance of collaboration and partnerships with various stakeholders in order to achieve their goals effectively. Collaboration allows for a coordinated approach to destination promotion, management, and sustainable development. Here are some key stakeholders with whom Tourist Boards collaborate:

1. Government Agencies: Tourist Boards often work closely with government agencies at the local, regional, and national levels. They collaborate to develop tourism policies, regulations, and infrastructure plans that support tourism growth. Additionally, Tourist Boards may seek financial support, permits, and licenses from government agencies to carry out their initiatives.

2. Local Businesses and Industry Associations: Collaboration with local businesses, hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and other tourism-related organizations is vital for the success of Tourist Boards. They work together to develop marketing campaigns, create travel packages, and enhance the overall visitor experience. Collaboration may also involve joint funding, cooperative advertising, and training programs to uplift the quality of tourism-related services.

3. Community Organizations: Tourist Boards engage local community organizations and stakeholders to ensure that tourism development is inclusive and benefits the local community. They work collaboratively to preserve cultural heritage, support local products and services, and address community concerns. Engaging and involving the local community in tourism-related initiatives foster a sense of ownership and pride in the destination.

4. Travel Trade Professionals: Collaboration with travel agents, tour operators, and travel trade professionals is crucial for destination promotion and reaching target markets. Tourist Boards collaborate with these professionals to develop marketing campaigns, host familiarization trips, and participate in trade fairs and exhibitions. They keep travel trade professionals informed about the destination’s offerings, events, and travel packages to ensure a steady flow of tourists.

5. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): NGOs focused on areas such as sustainable tourism, environmental conservation, and community development are important partners for Tourist Boards. They collaborate to develop sustainable tourism practices, support eco-friendly initiatives, and promote responsible tourism. Collaboration with NGOs also contributes to shaping a positive image for the destination, particularly with regard to sustainability and responsible tourism.

6. Education and Research Institutions: Tourist Boards collaborate with educational institutions and research organizations to gather and analyze data, conduct market research, and gain insights into emerging trends and consumer behavior. They may partner with universities and colleges to offer internship programs, research projects, and training opportunities. Collaboration with educational institutions helps Tourist Boards stay at the forefront of industry knowledge and trends.

Effective collaboration between Tourist Boards and stakeholders is based on a shared vision and mutual trust. It involves regular communication, sharing of information, and joint decision-making. Through collaboration, Tourist Boards can leverage resources, tap into expertise, and create synergistic partnerships that enhance destination promotion, sustainable tourism development, and the overall visitor experience.

Examples of Successful Tourist Boards

Several Tourist Boards around the world have demonstrated exceptional success in promoting their destinations, attracting visitors, and contributing to the local economy. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Tourism Australia: Tourism Australia is renowned for its highly effective destination marketing campaigns that have successfully positioned Australia as a must-visit destination for international travelers. Their “There’s Nothing Like Australia” campaign showcases the country’s unique wildlife, stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and indigenous culture. Their collaboration with industry partners, airlines, and travel agents ensures a cohesive approach to destination promotion and provides visitors with a seamless travel experience.

2. VisitScotland: VisitScotland is widely recognized for its innovative marketing strategies and collaborative initiatives. Their “Scotland is Now” campaign showcased the country’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultural experiences. VisitScotland actively collaborates with local businesses, authorities, and cultural organizations to create unique visitor experiences, support sustainable tourism, and share Scotland’s story with the world. Their focus on digital marketing and engagement with social media influencers has been particularly successful in attracting younger, tech-savvy travelers.

3. Tourism New Zealand: Tourism New Zealand has been successful in promoting the country’s natural beauty, Maori culture, adventure activities, and unique experiences to a global audience. Their “100% Pure New Zealand” campaign emphasizes the country’s pristine environment and commitment to sustainability. Tourism New Zealand effectively collaborates with airlines, tour operators, and local businesses to create tailored travel packages and immersive experiences. Through their strong digital presence and engaging content, they inspire travelers to explore the diverse landscapes of New Zealand.

4. Incredible India: The Incredible India campaign, led by the Ministry of Tourism in India, has been instrumental in positioning India as a vibrant and diverse travel destination. The marketing efforts highlight India’s rich history, cultural heritage, spirituality, and culinary delights. Through collaborations with state governments, tourism operators, and local communities, Incredible India showcases the immense tourism potential of different regions in India. Their focus on experiential tourism, such as yoga retreats, heritage walks, and festivals, has been successful in attracting both domestic and international visitors.

5. Visit Japan: Visit Japan, operated by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), has played a crucial role in promoting Japan’s unique blend of traditional culture and modern attractions. Their marketing campaigns highlight iconic landmarks such as Mount Fuji, historic temples, and futuristic cities. Visit Japan collaborates with local governments, travel agencies, and cultural organizations to showcase lesser-known regions, off-the-beaten-path attractions, and immersive cultural experiences. Their efforts have contributed to a surge in tourism to Japan, showcasing the country’s rich heritage and captivating landscapes.

These examples demonstrate the success that can be achieved when Tourist Boards effectively promote their destinations, collaborate with stakeholders, and create memorable experiences for travelers. Through strategic marketing campaigns, strong partnerships, and a focus on sustainable tourism, these Tourist Boards have successfully positioned their destinations as must-visit places, attracting visitors from around the world and creating a positive impact on their local economies.

Tourist Boards play a vital role in the dynamic and ever-growing tourism industry. As the official representatives of destinations, they are responsible for promoting and marketing regions to attract travelers. From showcasing unique attractions and experiences to collaborating with stakeholders, Tourist Boards work tirelessly to position their destinations as must-visit places for tourists.

The functions and responsibilities of Tourist Boards are diverse and encompass various aspects of destination promotion, visitor services, sustainable tourism development, and collaboration with stakeholders. By effectively fulfilling these roles, Tourist Boards contribute to the economic growth of their destinations, create job opportunities, and enhance the overall visitor experience.

However, Tourist Boards also face challenges such as competition, changing consumer behaviors, and the need to balance seasonality and overcrowding. It is crucial for Tourist Boards to adapt, innovate, and collaborate with various stakeholders to address these challenges effectively and drive sustainable tourism growth.

The success of Tourist Boards can be seen in examples like Tourism Australia, VisitScotland, Tourism New Zealand, Incredible India, and Visit Japan. Through their innovative marketing campaigns, collaboration with industry partners, and commitment to sustainability, these Tourist Boards have successfully positioned their destinations as top travel choices, attracting visitors from around the world.

In conclusion, Tourist Boards are the driving force behind the promotion, development, and management of destinations. Their efforts significantly impact the local economy, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the overall growth of the tourism industry. Through collaboration with government agencies, local businesses, community organizations, and travel trade professionals, Tourist Boards enhance the visitor experience and ensure the long-term sustainability of their destinations.

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LOS ANGELES CITY TOURISM DEPARTMENT

The Los Angeles City Tourism Department (CTD) is responsible for tourism policy, strategic planning for tourism and oversight of external partnerships for the purpose of increasing the competitiveness of Los Angeles as a convention and tourist destination. CTD helps the City maximize the economic benefits derived from out-of-town visitors whose spending contributes to the growth of the local economy.

CTD oversees two important public-private partnerships – one with the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board for destination marketing and the other with ASM Global for management of the Convention Center.

OUR TOURISM AND CONVENTION PARTNERS

What is a Tourist Board?

A Tourist Board (also known as a tourism board or destination marketing organization) is an organization, typically funded by a government or private sector, that promotes and develops tourism in a particular region or destination.

The primary goal of a tourist board is to increase the number of visitors to the region or destination and to enhance the visitor experience by providing information and services that help visitors plan their trips and enjoy their stay.

Tourist boards typically undertake a range of marketing and promotional activities, such as advertising, public relations, events, and social media campaigns, to attract visitors. They also work closely with tourism businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and attractions, to develop and promote tourism products and services.

In addition, tourist boards may provide visitor information services, such as visitor centers, maps, and guides, to help visitors navigate the destination and find activities and attractions that interest them.

How are tourist boards a benefit to vacation rental businesses?

Tourist boards can play an important role in helping vacation rental businesses by providing a range of services and resources that can help these businesses reach new customers and improve their operations. Here are some ways that tourist boards can help vacation rental businesses:

Promotion and Marketing: Tourist boards often have large marketing budgets and established promotional campaigns to attract visitors to a region or destination. By partnering with a tourist board, vacation rental businesses can benefit from this marketing and promotion, gaining increased exposure to potential customers.

Industry Research and Insights: Tourist boards often conduct research into the tourism industry, providing valuable insights into consumer trends and travel behaviors. This information can be used by vacation rental businesses to tailor their offerings to meet the needs and preferences of visitors.

Networking and Collaboration: Tourist boards often host industry events and workshops, providing opportunities for vacation rental businesses to network and collaborate with other tourism industry professionals. These events can be a valuable source of knowledge and ideas for improving operations and customer service.

Visitor Information and Services: Tourist boards typically provide a range of visitor information and services, such as visitor centers, maps, and guides. Vacation rental businesses can benefit from this by providing their guests access to these resources, which can help enhance the visitor experience and encourage return visits.

Training and Development: Tourist boards may offer training and development programs for tourism industry professionals, including vacation rental businesses. These programs can help improve business operations, customer service, and overall business performance.

By working with tourist boards, vacation rental businesses can benefit from increased exposure, industry insights, networking opportunities, and access to valuable resources and services.

Are there different kinds of tourist boards?

Yes, there are different kinds of tourist boards, each with its own focus and goals. Here are some examples:

National Tourist Boards: These are typically government-funded organizations that promote a country as a tourist destination. Their focus is on marketing the country as a whole and attracting visitors from around the world.

Regional Tourist Boards: These are organizations that promote a particular region within a country as a tourist destination. Their focus is on marketing the unique attractions and experiences of the region to potential visitors.

City Tourist Boards: These are organizations that promote a particular city as a tourist destination. Their focus is on marketing the city’s attractions, events, and cultural experiences to potential visitors.

Industry-Specific Tourist Boards: These are organizations that promote a specific sector within the tourism industry, such as adventure tourism, culinary tourism, or eco-tourism. They focus on marketing the unique experiences and opportunities within that sector to potential visitors.

Non-Profit Tourist Boards: These are organizations that promote tourism in a particular area or region without seeking profit. Their focus is on promoting the destination for the benefit of the local community, rather than generating revenue.

Each type of tourist board has its own approach to promoting tourism, and businesses within the industry can work with these boards to gain exposure and support.

What are some tourist board examples?

There are numerous tourist boards operating around the world. Here are some examples:

VisitBritain

VisitBritain is the national tourist board for the United Kingdom, promoting tourism across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. They focus on marketing the country’s rich history, diverse cultural experiences, and scenic natural landscapes to potential visitors. VisitBritain offers a range of resources for tourism businesses, including marketing and promotional campaigns, industry research and insights, and visitor information services.

Tourism Australia

Tourism Australia is the national tourist board for Australia, promoting tourism across the country, including major cities, natural attractions, and cultural experiences. Their focus is on marketing the country’s unique wildlife, natural beauty, and outdoor activities to potential visitors. Tourism Australia offers a range of resources for tourism businesses, including marketing and promotional campaigns, industry research and insights, and visitor information services.

NYC & Company

NYC & Company is the tourist board for New York City, promoting tourism to the city’s iconic landmarks, museums, restaurants, and cultural events. Their focus is on marketing the city as a vibrant, dynamic destination for travelers from around the world. NYC & Company offers a range of resources for tourism businesses, including marketing and promotional campaigns, industry research and insights, and visitor information services.

Costa Rica Tourism Board

The Costa Rica Tourism Board is the national tourist board for Costa Rica, promoting the country’s eco-tourism, adventure activities, and natural beauty. Their focus is on marketing the country’s unique biodiversity, sustainable tourism practices, and cultural experiences to potential visitors. The Costa Rica Tourism Board offers a range of resources for tourism businesses, including marketing and promotional campaigns, industry research and insights, and visitor information services.

Jamaica Tourist Board

The Jamaica Tourist Board is the national tourist board for Jamaica, promoting the country’s beaches, music, culture, and cuisine. Their focus is on marketing the country as a vibrant, welcoming destination for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure. The Jamaica Tourist Board offers a range of resources for tourism businesses, including marketing and promotional campaigns, industry research and insights, and visitor information services.

Dubai Tourism

Dubai Tourism is the tourist board for Dubai, promoting the city’s luxury experiences, shopping, and attractions. Their focus is on marketing the city as a world-class destination for travelers seeking opulence and luxury. Dubai Tourism offers a range of resources for tourism businesses, including marketing and promotional campaigns, industry research and insights, and visitor information services.

Tourism Authority of Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is the national tourist board for Thailand, promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage, food, and natural beauty. Their focus is on marketing the country’s unique blend of history, religion, and modernity to potential visitors. The Tourism Authority of Thailand offers a range of resources for tourism businesses, including marketing and promotional campaigns, industry research and insights, and visitor information services.

Visit Orlando

Visit Orlando is the tourist board for Orlando, Florida, promoting the city’s theme parks, resorts, and family-friendly attractions. Their focus is on marketing the city as a top destination for families seeking fun and excitement. Visit Orlando offers a range of resources for tourism businesses, including marketing and promotional campaigns, industry research and insights, and visitor information services.

These examples illustrate the range of tourist boards operating around the world, each with its own unique focus and approach to promoting tourism.

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Travellers who are affected by the fire at the residential and commercial building, New Lucky House (Address: 15 Jordan Road, Jordan, Kowloon), may contact the  Hong Kong Tourism Board  at +852 8102 8020 for assistance. 

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Asheville leaders push for change on how tourism funds are used. Will locals get a bigger cut?

ASHEVILLE - After a 2022 bill altered the way Asheville and Buncombe County's more than $35 million occupancy tax revenues are divided, local leaders continue to push for even greater change. They have called for more of the Tourism Development Authority's millions to be dedicated to addressing the needs of residents rather than going into marketing.

Sen. Julie Mayfield, a former City Council member and former city representative on the Tourism Development Authority board, said she's been advocating for reform for eight years.

“We have a real inequity here that needs addressing and I think putting more of that money to use for the benefit of the residents of Asheville, including and most specifically people who work in the tourism industry, is critical," Mayfield told the Citizen Times on April 4.

“And to me it’s an easy call.”

Mayfield was among the sponsors of the 2022 legislation.

Now, she looks toward the N.C. General Assembly's upcoming short session in late April where she is preparing a bill to change the language of the Legacy Investment From Tourism Fund, or LIFT, the TDA's newest fund created by the recent legislative changes. Her bill would clarify the fund's use to support "the tourism industry more broadly," including money for affordable housing, child care and parking.

The LIFT Fund broadened the scope of potential projects and while many have interpreted it to encompass affordable housing, it's uncharted territory.

City and county weigh in

Further reforms to the local occupancy tax — derived from the lodging tax paid by visitors who stay overnight in Buncombe County's hotels, vacation rentals and bed-and-breakfasts — were supported in both the city and county's recently adopted legislative agendas.

The city advocated for "a more equitable distribution of funds," requesting consideration be given to amending the committee guidelines for a 50%-50% split between marketing and projects.

Currently one-third can be used for community capital projects and the remainder toward marketing. Before the  local bill 's 2022 passage, the occupancy tax dollars, which go to the Buncombe County TDA, were split 75%-25%, favoring tourism promotion.

Mayor Esther Manheimer said the city has "been maintaining pressure" for more reform over the last several years. They'd wanted more in 2022, but the 66%-33% split is where the line was drawn.

“We just continue to try to manage that challenge,” she said. “I think even for folks who have had skepticism in the past, they are looking at (revenues) saying, ‘OK, where is the balance between marketing and investment in a community that is managing this number of tourists and is this now lopsided completely?’”

Of potential investments locally that could benefit from more funding, "the list is endless," she said. Even within the confines of capital projects related to tourism, she pointed to several high-cost projects, including the $11.3 million needed to repair downtown's parking garages or greenway expansion.

The county's legislative agenda prioritized "(continuing) to evaluate methods to modernize N.C. House Occupancy Tax guidelines to meet the evolving visitation and infrastructure needs of Buncombe County."

County lobbyists Whitney Campbell Christensen and Trafton Dinwiddie, from the law firm Ward and Smith, said Buncombe County stands to be the "poster child" for the issue.

“This continues to be a conversation that we’re at the epicenter of that I think is productive, that I think is healthy, not just for you all but for the state," Christensen said.

What about the LIFT Fund?

Since 2001, occupancy tax revenue for local projects was doled out only through the Tourism Product Development Fund, focused on major tourism investments that bring visitors to the city. Now it's divided between both the Tourism Product Development Fund and the Legacy Investment From Tourism Fund.

In its more than two decades, the TPDF has invested $86 million in 41 projects.

The  LIFT Fund, while intended to "increase patronage" of lodging, meeting and convention facilities by attracting tourists and other travelers, also includes projects that "benefit community at large" in Buncombe County.

This includes restoration or rehab of existing locations, maintenance and design of tourism-related capital projects, enhancement of natural resources, expansion of necessary infrastructure and construction of a new location, entirely, according to a TDA guide.

The TDA board will make its first grant awards from LIFT at its April 24 meeting, with about $9.5 million available this cycle, said spokesperson Ashley Greenstein.

The LIFT committee is reviewing 15 "phase II" applications, for a combined ask of $14.25 million. Applications include three housing projects: Project Aspire; Mountain Housing Opportunities' Star Point Affordable Apartments; and Ferry Road, a Buncombe County development that contains affordable housing.

"The LIFT Fund was just established by the Buncombe County occupancy tax legislation changes made in 2022 to increase the amount of occupancy tax funds invested in community capital projects to the maximum one-third allowable by state guidelines," Greenstein said in an emailed statement. "The team at Explore Asheville and the authority is prepared to put these important changes into action on behalf of Asheville and Buncombe County for years to come."

She did not directly respond to questions about the TDA's stance on additional reform.

Mayfield said if the affordable housing projects are funded, she likely wouldn't feel the need to introduce her new legislation.

But if they aren't, “No way. No. I’m not interested in that," she said.

“I think the LIFT Fund should explicitly fund affordable housing and if they don’t feel like the language allows them to do that, I would like to change the language to make it clear that it can be.”

More: Buncombe pursues federal funds for acquisition of Deaverview Mountain as a public park

More: Asheville, Buncombe to make 1st asks of new TDA fund. Is affordable housing on the table?

Sarah Honosky is the city government reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. News Tips? Email [email protected] or message on Twitter at @slhonosky. Please support local, daily journalism with a  subscription  to the Citizen Times .

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20 hammond street (845) 858-4000 - phone          (845) 856-0322 - fax, tourism board, duly elected officials serving  port jervis.

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Houston city council members approve three appointments of new metro board members.

METRO’s board of directors is charged with guiding decision making to deliver a public transportation system that is an attractive option for means of travel throughout the Houston region, according to a mayor’s office press release.

With the swearing in of three new members on Wednesday, a historic number of women will now fill Houston’s Metropolitan Transit Authority board of directors.

Mayor John Whitmire completed his METRO overhaul with the appointments of the board’s first Vietnamese American woman Judge Kathy Han, Reverend Terry Leon Preston II and community advocate Chad McMillan. Terry Morales was also reappointed to the board.

“I am proud to make history with my METRO appointees; each one represents a diverse community,” Whitmire said in a statement. “Having a METRO board with diverse representation recognizes the value of varied experiences and the importance of accessibility for all.”

The new members were appointed by Whitmire and approved by city council members during a Wednesday council meeting after little discussion. They were then sworn in by METRO Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock.

“I am excited to welcome the newest customer-centric board members and to continue collaborating with our existing leaders,” Brock said in a statement. “This is a robust team that is fully committed to making METRO a safe, clean, accessible and viable option that people choose to use.”

Houston city council members in Feburary overwhelmingly approved a resolution to name Brock the board chair of METRO. She will make history as the first Hispanic woman to lead the state's largest transit authority board.

RELATED: Houston City Council appoints first Hispanic woman to chair METRO board

METRO board members serve two year terms and can serve up to eight years on the board of directors.

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Oakland officials vote to include ‘San Francisco’ in airport's name

S AN FRANCISCO (AP) — Oakland officials have voted in favor of changing the name of the city’s airport to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport, despite San Francisco threatening a lawsuit over what it says is a trademark violation.

The Board of Commissioners for the Port of Oakland voted unanimously Thursday to move forward with the name-change and scheduled a second vote for final approval on May 9. The airport is currently called Oakland International Airport.

Oakland airport officials have said travelers unfamiliar with the region fly into San Francisco’s airport even if their destination is closer to the Oakland airport across the Bay. Modifying the name to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport will change that, they say. The airport’s three-letter code OAK would not change.

“We are standing up for Oakland and the East Bay," Port Commission President Barbara Leslie said in a statement after the vote. “This name will make it clear that OAK is the closest major airport, for 4.1 million people, three national laboratories, the top public university in the country, and California’s Wine Country."

For nearly an hour, the commissioners listened to public comments that included some Oakland residents and several airline representatives who supported the name-change, and representatives of San Francisco tourism and hospitality interests who opposed it.

Some supporters asked commissioners to consider having Oakland ahead of San Francisco in the new name.

Once final approval comes next month, “staff will move forward with the formal renaming, including working with air carriers, other airports, and local agencies to reflect the modification in airport and airline systems,” the port commission said in a statement.

Oakland airport officials approved the name-change at a time when the city, like many other major cities, is grappling with rising crime and the fallout from losing the last professional sports team that called the city of 430,000 people home. Last week the Athletics announced that the team will leave Oakland after this season and play temporarily at a minor league park near Sacramento until their planned new stadium in Las Vegas is built.

With the A’s departing, the city that was also home to the NFL’s Raiders, the NBA’s Warriors and the NHL’s Seals will have no major sports teams.

The name-change suggestion had horrified San Francisco officials, who say it will confuse travelers, especially those flying in from abroad. Ivar C. Satero, director of San Francisco’s airport, had said they are “deeply concerned” over the potential for customer confusion and disservice. San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu on Tuesday threatened to sue Oakland officials if they pursue the name-change, arguing it would violate the city's trademark on “San Francisco International Airport.”

San Francisco “has held these registrations for such a long time that they have become incontestable under federal law," Chiu wrote in a letter to various Oakland officials.

Helen Han, a San Francisco resident, said she doesn't agree with changing the name because travelers could confuse the two, especially those visiting the Bay Area for the first time.

“It would create a lot of confusion for those who are traveling to either Oakland or San Francisco," Han said. “I can imagine myself if it's my first time visiting SF, I would be really confused (when deciding) which airport I need to fly to.”

Aaron Peskin, president of San Francisco's Board of Supervisors, introduced a resolution last week opposing the name-change and requesting the port commission reject it.

State Sen. Scott Wiener, who represents San Francisco, said on the social media platform X that the airport shouldn't be “cutting & pasting” San Francisco's name.

“I love Oakland, but Oakland is Oakland. It’s not San Francisco," he wrote. “Please find another way to turn things around.”

But other users on X pointed out that San Francisco's airport is actually located in Millbrae, a city in San Mateo County.

One person quipped, “When are we renaming the 49ers? #SantaClara.” The San Francisco 49ers play at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, which sits just outside San Jose and is about 45 miles south of San Francisco.

Craig Simon, the Port of Oakland’s interim aviation director, said Metropolitan Oakland International Airport, as it's officially known, lost 39 of 54 new routes added from July 2008 to March 2024.

“Market research and interviews with airline partners have shown that routes have not performed as well as they should have due to the lack of geographic awareness, making air carriers reluctant to sustain and add new routes in Oakland,” Simon said in a statement before the vote.

Weber reported from Los Angeles.

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Commuting concerns rise after Houston Mayor John Whitmire nominates 4 new METRO board members

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Nominations for four new METRO board members will head to Houston City Council for approval on Wednesday. However, advocates fighting for better commuting options for bicyclists, pedestrians, and people with disabilities worry about the potential direction of the new public transportation agency.

"Houston has prioritized moving vehicular traffic for decades. Streets have gotten wider, speeds have gotten faster, and highways have gotten bigger. That still hasn't solved our traffic problem. What we need to focus on is moving people rather than vehicles," Gabe Cazares, LINK Houston executive director, said.

In his new role, Mayor John Whitmire gets to appoint five of METRO's nine boards and replace them at any time. However, some people feel his actions during his first four months in office have not been very promising for those wanting better conditions for commuters who don't drive.

"I am concerned with the way that Houston Avenue was approached, the safety improvements that were made to decrease speeds and make the experience more safe for pedestrians and cyclists. I'm also concerned with a conversation that's happening around 11th Street and the way the street was redesigned to prioritize pedestrian safety and not vehicle throughput," Cazares said. "There are a significant number of projects that the city has received funding for that are all on pause for review, such as the Montrose project and Bissonnet project."

READ MORE: Conroe City Council approves another year of METRO commuter bus service to various stops in downtown Houston

Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock was the first person appointed by Whitmire as METRO's new board chair in February. When asked about the direction of the incoming board, she said they will focus on customers' needs first and find ways to improve equity for underserved communities, such as installing sidewalks and bus shelters.

"The communities that I have met with, I think, are excited about the direction that we're going in and making sure that we are meeting the community where they are, providing exciting programs that will help them get to where they need to go, and get there on time whether they have a car or not," Gonzalez Brock said. "We want people to ride METRO whether or not they are dependent on a car. We don't want people to use METRO just because they have to."

READ MORE: More than half of METRO bus stations in Houston area are without shelter, protection from hot temperatures

Whitmire's office said METRO's board members typically represent different segments of our communities. The four new nominees include:

• Christopher C. "Chad" McMillan, advocate for people living with disabilities
• Kathy K. Han, municipal court judge for the City of Houston
• Terry Leon Preston, senior pastor of Yale Street Baptist Church
• Terry Morales, senior vice president of Amegy Bank

"As a person with a disability who relies on public transportation as my primary means to move around the city, I am very excited to see that the administration chose to continue providing the disability perspective on the METRO board," Cazares said. "I hope that (other) board members are regular users of the transit system. It's hard to oversee a program or services that you don't regularly use."

In a statement, a spokesperson wrote in part, "A review of mobility projects constructed in the last administration revealed newly constructed bike lanes removed residential and business street parking, failed to accommodate residential solid waste trash cans, negatively impacted emergency responders, and impacted our general mobility with reduced lanes. We need to carefully balance our current and future mobility needs for all Houstonians by providing a range of mobility options without affecting our existing mobility options. Projects are being reviewed not to repeat the past actions."

RELATED: Houston METRO pays $150K to remove unsafe bus stops initially created to protect bike lanes and aid passengers in Heights area

On Sunday, ABC13 asked the mayor during the Tour de Houston ride where he stands with improving mobility for commuters who don't use cars.

"We're growing at a rapid rate. Our general mobility is very important. We've done great things along Allen Parkway. We need to make sure that there's a safe passage in Memorial Park. So there's a lot of things we still have to do," Whitmire said.

Requests for comment from Han, Preston, and Morales were not returned.

For more on this story, follow Rosie Nguyen on Facebook , X and Instagram .

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