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America Attacked:
Reagan National Airport Reopens
With William A. Hanbury
President & CEO, Washington, D.C. Convention and Tourism Corp.
Friday, Oct. 5, 2001; 2 p.m. EDT
Reagan National Airport, the final major U.S. airport to resume operations after the Sept. 11 attacks, reopened to travelers on Thursday, Oct. 4. With heightened security visible and present, most passengers felt at ease and comforted. More travelers mean more business for the Washington area -- allowing tourists easy access to the District and local attractions.
William A. Hanbury president and CEO of the Washington, D.C. Convention and Tourism Corporation (WCTC), will be online Friday, October 5, at 2 p.m. EDT, to discuss the latest developments on local hospitality and efforts to bring back visitors to the Washington area.
As President, Hanbury oversees marketing, convention sales, tourism and membership development. Additionally, WCTC is responsible for all sales and marketing for the new and existing Washington Convention Center(WCTC). WCTC is the Washington, DC metropolitan area's primary marketing organization and is responsible for the economic health of a $10 billion hospitality industry, employing 260,000 individuals.
Below is the transcript.
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washingtonpost.com:
Thank you for joining us today Mr. Hanbury. Tell us about what you have been planning with regard to Reagan National Airport reopening.
Bill Hanbury: The opening of Reagan National Airport is definitely important to the metropolitan economy. However, there is much more work to be done to increase National's number of passengers and to revitalize the Washington economy. It could take several months before the airport and our economy are back to "normal".
washingtonpost.com:
Are there heightened security measures around the tourist areas such as museums and on the mall? What differences, if any, will visitors or D.C. residents see?
Bill Hanbury: The only attractions which are not back to normal are the White House and the FBI. All the rest of our national attractions are open for business. The Smithsonian is also back to normal but expect heightened security measures as you enter the facilities.
washingtonpost.com:
What are some programs and ad campaigns that have been created by the D.C. Tourism board since the Sept. 11 attacks?
Bill Hanbury: The Convention and Tourism Corporation is creating both short term and long term marketing programs to help our economy recover. For the short term we are focusing on local audiences and getting residents in the area to return to our Nation's Capital. In the long term, our marketing programs will focus on regional and national audiences. We will use tv, radio, internet, public relations and newspaper to relay our message that Washington, DC is open for business.
Washington, D.C.:
Have many groups canceled planned conventions in the city?
Bill Hanbury: Many groups cancelled dates immediately after the events of September 11 but in recent days the cancellations have subsided and even pieces of business that were cancelled have rebooked. We had one convention center event postponed but thankfully have lost no other major pieces of convention center business.
Fairfax, Va.:
Hey, how about trying to push for a citywide "Go Out To Lunch Day"? A day where all restaurants give a discount and all office workers are encouraged to go out to lunch? A lot of people don't think about these things, but if it's a "day" they might get back into the swing of things.
Bill Hanbury: On Saturday and Sunday, October 13 and 14, we have scheduled a "Be A Tourist In Your Own Town" Program. You can ride Metro for free, get deals at restaurants and visit our wonderful national attractions. It's a chance for our local citizens to show that they won't be intimidated in to not enjoying our nation's capital.
The "Go Out To Lunch Day" is a good idea and something that we will look into.
Orlando, Fla.:
My husband and I planned our trip back in June, commencing from Oct 11th to the 14th, paid for everything, and have had nothing but hassles and little cooperation from Travelscape.com where we booked, about rebooking since Reagan is not yet accepting flights from Orlando. We still want to come, have all the confidence in the world in our security, but I'm shocked at the lack of cooperation and downright surliness with which I've met in trying to reschedule. My own Senator won't answer my queries about tours, what is open, what isn't. Why can't we get some answers about how things are going up there?
Thanks, P. Howard
Bill Hanbury: P. Howard,
Please call the Washington, DC Convention and Tourism Corporation at 202/789-7000 and ask for Susan or email her at susan@washington.org. She'll be glad to help you with any of your questions concerning your visit.
Herndon, Va.:
Mr. Hanbury: Can you provide an estimate as to how much tourism and tourism related business has declined since the 9/11 tragedies?
Bill Hanbury: We estimate that the metropolitan Washington, DC area is currently losing approximately $10 million dollars per day in lost revenues. This includes lost dollars for hotels, restaurants, retailers, ground transportation and tourist attractions.
Washington, D.C.:
It would be great to see a three-day tourism-boosting event in DC that could include a star-studded concert on the mall, and other cultural venues with the Smithsonian. Restaurants could offer a special meal price (say $20.01) and hotels could offer a flat rate throughtout the city. All of our local celebs and talent (Snyder, Jordan, Chapin-Carpenter, Laura Bush, ) could have a role. It's time we do something on a citywide level.
Bill Hanbury: Look for information in the Washington Post this coming week concerning our "Be A Tourist In Your Home Town" Program. Some of the things that you suggested are components of this two day event on October 13-14.
Washington, D.C.:
I'm planning to take advantage of the free metro service the weekend of Oct. 13-14. Besides going out to eat, what else can be done to support the local economy? Which areas are hurting the most?
Bill Hanbury: If you have a chance, buy a ticket to one of our wonderful performing arts offerings or treat yourself to a mini-vacation in some of our top-notch hotels. Be looking for more details about upcoming events this week in the Washington Post. You can also visit our website at www.washington.org.
Maryland:
I have always been a fan of "being a tourist in your home town". D.C. has a lot to offer, especially at the various museums. Maryland and Virginia both have very interesting historical sites, battlefields, beautiful beaches, and serene forests. There is truely a wealth of tourist opportunities within just an hour's drive of DC. I just read the article about free ride/waived fees and I have a few questions. Is this just for a single weekend? It would be great if they extended the program - I always thought state parks should be free anyway. Where can I find more information?
Bill Hanbury: Right now our plans are just for next weekend. However, we will see how the program goes and may consider extending these special offers.
Arlington, Va.:
How much effect did the IMF/"Anti-War" rally, have on the local economy?
Bill Hanbury: The loss of IMF had a very negative effect on the metro DC economy. That event alone was worth over $7 million dollars to our hotels, restaurants and tourism service companies. The loss of IMF pales in comparison to what has happened to the economy since September 11.
Washington, D.C.:
Where can I go on the web or in the papers to find out what programs the D.C. Tourist Board is offering for these next couple of weeks?
Bill Hanbury: You can find this information on our website, www.washington.org.
Metro Center, D.C.:
Is the new Convention Center on schedule for completion in Spring 2003?
Also, what is the timetable for the planned DC History Museum in the old Carnegie Library in Mt. Vernon Square? That will be another nice draw for tourists in the city.
Bill Hanbury: The Washington Convention Center construction is on time and on budget. We intend to open the facility on March 31, 2003. The community has already benefited from the new construction. We have 157 events already booked in the facility for future years.
The construction for the new DC City Museum is on the same timeline as the Convention Center.
Vienna, Va.:
Are there increased security measures for the Metro? Are you trying to target local residents to do more in the community or interest travelers from different states?
Bill Hanbury: Metro has increased security since the attacks of September 11. However, Metro has not lost its ease of use and convenience for riders. Metro did a great service for the Washington community by staying open the day of the attacks and allowing workers to leave the city....bravo Metro!
Our new marketing campaign will target both local and national audiences urging them to visit our nation's capital.
Woodley Park, D.C.:
I've been encouraging everyone to take a trip on the Metro to National Airport and patronize some of the restaurants and shops there (outside the security gates, obviously) to show support for the businesses and employees hardest hit in our region. I'd just like to mention it again - they have some nice restaurants there, and the main terminal is gorgeous. Take a date to Cinnabon!
Bill Hanbury: Since it's my wife's birthday on Sunday, I think I'll take her to Cinnabon. Thanks for the idea.
Like you, we are continuing to encourage everyone to take trips on Metro and to other destinations around the Capital Region. We want everyone to feel comfortable traveling again. Our local and national economy needs this shot in the arm.
Washington, D.C.:
What in the heck does Chuck Morse actually do all day? I just saw him getting his hair cut, for chrissakes!
Bill Hanbury: Chuck is no longer on the bus.
washingtonpost.com:
In meeting with local politicians, hotel and restaurant owners and project developers, what has been the main focus or some incentives to drive back tourists? What have been some concerns, changes or agreements made?
Bill Hanbury: The number one priority is to build a marketing fund so we have enough resources to effectively invite visitors back to our nation's capital. To date we have over $3 million dollars committed but our goal is to accumulate $10 million dollars to fund what will be an aggressive advertising, public relations, internet and promotions effort.
Woodley Park, D.C.:
Hello,
Is the situation at Union Station permanent or temporary? The taxi line should be restored to its natural location at the front of the building, and those UGLY jersey barricades should be removed. They make it look like a prison!
Bill Hanbury: I will pass your comments along to the Union Station management....I agree that some of these "barriers" are not conducive to a friendly tourism destination.
Maryland:
My mother works in the hotel industry and currently she is being temporarily laid off. What efforts are made to ensure that employees won't be laid off or lose their job? What is Marriott, Hyatt and other D.C. hotels doing about this and what have they been working on? Also, how has the hotel industry taken security measures?
Bill Hanbury: We are working closely with all of the major hotel chains in developing a major recovery marketing plan. We have already accummulated significant financial resources and will attempt to build more support. Very sorry to hear about your mother and I assure you that we are doing everything we can to get the situation turned around asap. I have told our staff to forget about how hard they are working and the long hours...we have people out of work and families are counting on us to get our economy going again.
Washington, D.C.:
How long will D.C. and the area have special offers? I hear there is also going to be a retail tax break when you shop in D.C.?
Bill Hanbury: Right now, we are focusing on deals for the weekend of October 13 and 14. If that goes well, we will encourage participants to extend their offers. I know the city is working on a retail tax break...we'll just have to wait and see.
Washington, D.C.:
You have done a great job since taking on this position. Your organization has been extremely proactive in all aspects.
Communications, Sales, Marketing,etc.
You have a great team...keep up the great work in representing our city!
Bill Hanbury: Thanks for your support. We have a very hard-working team who cares a lot about our nation's capital. I sometimes can't remember what life was like before September 11. Certainly, all of our lives have been permanently changed by these tragic events.
Arlington, Va.:
Can you name a few big retailers, shops or services that have come out on top in offering discounts sales or events to promote business in the D.C. area since the attacks?
Also, have you spoken with D.C. Police Chief Ramsey on any issues concerning security and heightening tourism to the area? Any local officials as well?
Bill Hanbury: We are working with Hecht's and other downtown retailers on special deals for the weekend of October 13 and 14. Be looking in the Washington Post for these deals.
Chief Ramsey and DCPD have the toughest police job in America and do fantastic work. He has been very supportive of the tourism industry and realizes that a police presence is a security comfort for visitors. Our city's finest are always front and center when it comes to the tourism industry.
Arlington, Va.:
Will there be patriotic ads and banners that will be noticed in D.C. and possibly out in the suburbs?
With regards to National reopening, what will residents find with noise of airplanes on different air paths?
Bill Hanbury: Our new marketing campaign will be a multi-million dollar effort entitled "Be Inspired". We've seen such a surge in patriotism after the attacks and we're going to use that momentum to ispire the nation to reengage in travel and tourism.
The sound of airplanes flying is great economic news for me, but I don't live in the flight path and I hope that our citizens affected will understand.
Washington, D.C.:
Will the President be expected to be speaking on the weekend of Oct. 13-14?
Bill Hanbury: We would love the President to participate in our weekend and will be asking the White House if he's available.
Bill Hanbury: Thanks for being with us this afternoon and please visit Washington, DC - The American Experience. For more information on Washington, DC tourism attractions call 202/789-7000.
Thank you,
Bill Hanbury
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