EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Visitors to the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens now have a new way to explore the region thanks to the unveiling of an A.I.-powered Tourist Kiosk, the latest addition to El Paso County\u2019s growing tourism initiative.<\/p>\n
County officials joined representatives from the El Paso Zoo on Thursday afternoon to officially introduce the interactive kiosk, which is designed to connect residents and tourists with attractions, cultural destinations, outdoor recreation opportunities, and historic sites throughout El Paso County.<\/p>\n
The installation marks the first Tourist Kiosk partnership between El Paso County and a local attraction, expanding the reach of the County\u2019s Tourist Kiosk Program while providing visitors with easy access to information about destinations across the region.<\/p>\n
“It will be cool for our visitors to discover more of what they can do in the city of El Paso, and not only includes new information, but also includes other local attractions,” Gary Lunsford, Director of El Paso Zoo, said. <\/p>\n
The bilingual kiosk features artificial intelligence technology with both touch-screen and voice navigation capabilities. Users can receive recommendations on local museums, outdoor activities, the historic Mission Trail and other nearby points of interest.<\/p>\n
One of the kiosk\u2019s most popular features allows guests to create personalized digital postcards using El Paso Zoo-themed backgrounds. Visitors can take photos and instantly download their customized postcards through the kiosk\u2019s \u201cTake a Photo with Me\u201d feature.<\/p>\n
County officials say the program is intended to enhance the visitor experience while encouraging exploration of the community\u2019s diverse attractions and cultural assets.<\/p>\n
“Everybody knows the zoo, everybody has been here, but sometimes we are surprised that a lot of people don’t know about other activities and other things going on in EL Paso. So when we get the people here, they really get to understand and know about other activities and other community events,” El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego said.<\/p>\n
He added, “I think this is going to be really good for El Paso; tourism is so important for El Paso.”<\/p>\n
The El Paso Zoo kiosk joins two other County-owned tourist kiosks currently located at Fort Bliss and the Los Portales Museum and Information Center in San Elizario.<\/p>\n
The new kiosk is located at the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 4001 E. Paisano Drive.<\/p>\n
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