Virginia Unveils Virtual Visitor Center

Governor Jim Gilmore announced today the creation of the Virtual Visitor Center, a state-of-the-art computer based visitor information center. Equipped with high-speed Internet access and touch screens, the web-based centers will provide travelers current weather, traffic and attraction information. Visitors using the centers will be able to make hotel reservations and book golf tee times on-line. Plans call for a Virtual Visitor Center to be placed in each of the state's welcome centers and rest areas and in local and regional visitor centers.

"I applaud the Virginia Tourism Corporation for developing the Virtual Visitor Center. Each of these Centers will allow visitors and prospective visitors to Virginia to easily learn about all that Virginia has to offer," said Governor Gilmore. "In the era of The Digital Dominion, this project is another example of our focus on the use of citizen-friendly technology to promote our great Commonwealth."

Governor Gilmore and the General Assembly directed the Virginia Tourism Authority and the Virginia Department of Transportation to develop a Visitors Technology Program for the state's welcome centers, rest areas and local and regional visitor centers. The development of the Virtual Visitor Center is the first step in the process. Governor Gilmore also directed an overhaul of the state's welcome centers and rest areas, and work is well underway to begin that effort.

The Virtual Visitor Center is a multi-station kiosk that includes a DVD touch-screen theater. The centers will be available to the traveling public 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.



Posted: 1-12-2001