Travelers at Roanoke Regional Airport can now plan their next adventure before even taking off.
A new interactive, touch-screen kiosk in the gate area of the terminal features dynamic information about the region’s outdoor recreation opportunities, whether on land, on water or with a guided trip.
It’s part of a broader marketing campaign to remind visitors and residents alike – some of the region’s best assets are found right outside the window.
“The Roanoke Region is quickly establishing itself as one of the best places on the East Coast to enjoy the outdoors,” says Pete Eshelman, director of outdoor branding for the Roanoke Regional Partnership. “Now we’re able to make everyone aware of our outdoor offerings in a place where they usually have to wait to board a flight.”
The slim kiosk sporting the words “Now Boarding” and “Destination: Outside” provides information about getting outdoors, including ideas for hiking, camping, mountain and road biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, tours, trips and more. One of the features enables travelers to e-mail information to plan their next adventure.
The kiosk also connects to www.roanokeoutside.com, a local resource for outdoor recreation.
It’s the latest innovation to promote the Roanoke Region’s outdoor adventures and build its outdoor brand as a place where a hike, bike ride or paddle is just minutes away.
From the Blue Ridge Marathon to a treasure hunt that each drew hundreds, and from the Banff Radical Reels Film Festival to a workshop helping those interested in starting an outdoor business, Eshelman says these events and activities are drawing interest from companies, organizations and individuals seeking a life where the outdoors is accessible and the living is easier.
“The Roanoke Region balances outdoor recreation and urban amenities with low costs of living and doing business,” Eshelman says. “This kiosk is just the latest way we’re sharing that message – this time to an audience that has some time and doesn’t expect this kind of information in the middle of the terminal.”
Roanoke Regional Airport spokeswoman Sherry Wallace says the kiosk is a welcome addition to a terminal that boards and welcomes 600,000 passengers a year.
“Between the mountains, lakes, rivers, greenways, hiking and mountain-bike trails – and such icons as the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail – there are so many choices to enjoy the region’s many outdoor assets just minutes away,” she says. “We’re pleased to help get the word out.”