Visitors Guide and Kiosk to enhance the Downtown experience

Visitor’s Guide and Kiosk to enhance the “Downtown” experience

DURANGO, Colo. - Historic Downtown Durango is taking shape as a “user friendly” visitor destination with the development of a new Visitor’s Kiosk and Locater Guide, or “walking map,” both funded by the Durango Business Improvement District (BID).

Located next to Durango Coffee Co. in the 700 block of Main Ave., the Visitor’s Kiosk is a partnership of the BID, Durango Chamber of Commerce, Durango Area Tourism Office (DATO) and Fort Lewis College. The kiosk is designed as a centralized outlet for all visitor-related information and is staffed by trained visitor information specialists. Current plans are for it to remain open daily throughout the summer and into early fall.

“Our historic downtown has always been a wonderful destination for our out-of-area guests, but the BID board of directors wanted to make it even easier for visitors to find our unique downtown businesses, galleries and restaurants,” said Rod Barker, presiding officer of the BID board. “Our mission is to help enhance business in the district, and we believe the Visitor’s Kiosk will further that effort.”

In addition to promotional materials supplied by all interested businesses, organizations and event planners, the kiosk staff will disseminate the first comprehensive “free” guide or walking map of the district, underwritten by the BID. The map, designed by local graphic design firm Creative Conspiracy, caters strictly to visitors and their needs, according to Bob Kunkel, Durango’s downtown business and promotions specialist, who oversaw the effort.

“It features all the attractions, shops and activities that may be of interest to visitors,” said Kunkel. “But it also goes a step further and includes information on where someone might go, for example, for laundry, car repair or to refill a prescription. The public parking, restrooms and ATMs are also included.”

Though quite comprehensive, the map is cleverly designed for easy reference as well as folding. It features a photo of the Strater Hotel on the cover specifically because the Strater, along with the railroad depot, is one of the most often-referenced landmarks and an identifying marker for out-of-town guests. The map will be updated and reprinted as needed.

“With this significant investment, the BID and its partners are paving the way, hoping downtown businesses will join in the parade to celebrate Durango’s Historic Downtown in a whole new way,” said Barker.

The Durango Business Improvement District was formed in 1997 with a goal and mission to support all types of businesses within the District by assisting with special event marketing, providing research on topics of concern to the District (facilities, special events, best practices), planning and development of new facilities, and providing capital budget for equipment that helps enhance business in the District. In addition to Barker, the BID board includes Bob Allen (Allen & Associates), Karen Barger (Seasons Rotisserie Grill), Chris Vivolo (Hampton Inn) and John Wells (Wells Group).

For further information, visit www.downtowndurango.org.

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