LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Re-launch event marks milestone in online integrated destination marketing  

LAREDO, TX  – With storied traditional inspiration, modern day progress and the happenings of its community as an influence, virtual visitors will now see a mix of these modern and historical elements on the re-launched, redesigned the City of Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau website: www.visitlaredo.com. 

 The new site features LCVB’s inaugural integration of a traditional desktop website with social media platforms and a mobile device friendly site to complete the new presentation package.  Some of the prominent recognizable icons that can be viewed upon entering the desk-top version of the home page include:

·         Twitter:  @VisitLaredoTX & @Laredotienetodo

·         YouTube:  VisitLaredoTx channel

·         Facebook: Visit Laredo, Texas & Laredo Lo Tiene Todo

·         Blog:  seeyouinlaredo.blogspot.com

 With improved navigation and streamline searching, online visitors will be able to plan their next trip to Laredo with ease. Locals will hopefully take advantage of and use the calendar of events that is consistently updated with content.  Another function of the site will allow internet visitors to view all content in Spanish at the click of a mouse.  When redirected to this version of the site, they will be able to experience the Spanish language Facebook and Twitter accounts by clicking on those selections at the top of the home page. 

 “As they say in the TV business, ‘We have gone live,’ but this time, it’s on the World Wide Web! It’s a modern day makeover,” stated Blasita J. Lopez, LCVB Director.   “We know that marketing experts in the tourism industry tout the importance of an online presence; it was time for a makeover.  According to recent data, mobile device use will take over all other methods of travel research and decision making by the year 2014. So this is a significant step in our efforts to make sure that Laredo stays competitive and visible to everyone that uses the internet for travel planning.”

 The website development project was awarded to and completed in conjunction with KGBTexas Marketing/Public Relations, Inc., in San Antonio, Texas.  LCVB staff subsequently received training on a new Content Management System that will allow for real time and frequent updates to be done in-house. 

 With an average of 7,500 visitors per month, the site attracts virtual viewers from around the globe.  The site’s most frequent users come from close by in Texas and of course, in Mexico.  Data and information is organized for ease-of-use on some of the following tabs within the site and include:

·         visitor information

·         accommodations

·         calendar of events

·         entertainment

·         meeting / sports tournament planning tool kits

·         itinerary ideas

 The Laredo CVB promotes the city as a destination for leisure travelers, meetings, conventions, group tours and sports events. The bureau also serves as an information center for visitors at its headquarters in downtown Laredo, at the Laredo International Airport and Casa Laredo in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, MX.  LCVB staff is ready to offer guidance and support regarding logistics and services when planning a meeting in Laredo. This team of specialists will assist visitors, corporate travelers, meeting planners, as well as group and sports event planners in all aspects of their visit.