03 Nov 2015
The San Francisco Travel Association and Macy's have partnered to create a new Visitor Information Center in the Union Square store.
Who: San Francisco Travel, the official destination marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco, is partnering with Macy's Union Square, department store offering a magnificent selection of the hottest season's fashions, world-class events, the premier services and gourmet restaurants. This is the first time Macy's has joined with a visitors bureau on the west coast to offer a full-service, co-branded visitor information center.
What: The new 1,500 plus-square-foot center inside Macy's Union Square will offer visitors personalized information and recommendations from trained staff. Two new interactive kiosks will provide information via touch screens. Visitors can purchase attraction tickets and make hotel reservations at the new center. San Francisco Travel's Official Visitors Planning Guide, maps and brochures from partner businesses will also be available.
Where: The center is located in The Cellar on the lower level of Macy's Union Square, adjacent to the U.S. Post Office and near elevators and escalators for easy access. Macy's previously operated a smaller visitor center on the sixth floor of the store.
San Francisco Travel continues to operate the Visitor Information Center (ViC) on the lower level of Hallidie Plaza which has been open since 1976. For more information, visit www.sanfrancisco.travel/visitor-information-center.
Why: “While our current Visitor Information Center at Hallidie Plaza welcomes some 400,000 visitors per year, this new location allows us to provide even more service with longer hours and the opportunity to offer more one-to-one assistance,” said San Francisco Travel President & CEO Joe D'Alessandro.
“We are thrilled to partner with San Francisco Travel on this innovative customer service venture within our iconic Union Square department store,” said Kristen Esposito, Vice President of Tourism Marketing & Development for Macy's. “Our new visitors center will welcome guests not only to Macy's, but also to all of the wonderful attractions that San Francisco has to offer.”
How: The new center is staffed by Macy's employees who receive extensive training from San Francisco Travel on local attractions and events.
When: The new center has the same operating hours as the store itself, greatly expanding the availability of personalized visitors assistance.
Plus: Visitors from more than 100 miles away can receive Macy's Visitors Savings Pass for 10% off store purchases. Many of the brochures available at the center also include discount offers and other savings.
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About the San Francisco Travel Association
The San Francisco Travel Association is a private, not-for-profit organization that markets the city as a leisure, convention and business travel destination. With more than 1,500 partner businesses, San Francisco Travel is one of the largest membership-based tourism promotion agencies in the country.
Tourism, San Francisco's largest industry, generated record-breaking numbers in 2014. More than 18 million people visited the destination, spending in excess of $10.67 billion. More than 87,000 jobs are supported by tourism in San Francisco.
The San Francisco Travel business offices are located at One Front St., Suite 2900, San Francisco, CA 94111.
San Francisco Travel also operates the Visitor Information Center at Hallidie Plaza, 900 Market Street at the corner of Powell and Market streets. For more information, call 415-974-6900 or visit www.sanfrancisco.travel .
American Express® is the official Card partner of the San Francisco Travel Association.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop flights to more than 34 international cities on 29 international carriers. The Bay Area's largest airport connects non-stop with 78 cities in the U.S. on 15 domestic airlines. SFO is proud to offer upgraded free Wi-Fi with no advertising. For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation and more, visit www.flysfo.com. Follow SFO on www.twitter.com/flysfo and www.facebook.com/flysfo.
About Macy's
Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy's offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy's flagship stores -- including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California -- are known internationally and leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers, employees and Macy's Foundation, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $70 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.
Macy's Media Contact:
Betsy Nelson
Vice President, Media Relations + Cause Marketing West Coast
415-393-3819
Note to editors: Photos to accompany this release can be found at the following links:
San Francisco Travel and Macy's Visitor Information Center
San Francisco Travel and Macy's Visitor Information Center - Interactive Kiosk
San Francisco Travel and Macy's Visitor Information Center - Retail
