CHICAGO OFFICE OF TOURISM
AND FOURSQUARE ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP
Users of the Popular New Social Media Application Can Now
Earn Three Chicago-themed Foursquare Badges
Today the Chicago Office of Tourism announced its presence on Foursquare, a new location-based, social networking application for mobile phones. The City of Chicago’s tourism office is the first to use Foursquare to promote citywide neighborhoods, restaurants and attractions.
“Foursquare provides a great incentive for people to explore the City’s diverse neighborhoods by playing a fun and interactive game,” says Dorothy Coyle, Director of the Chicago Office of Tourism. “We’re excited to be pioneering this innovative service.”
“By partnering with a city entity, we’re offering Foursquare players a new angle on discovering the city around them,” says Tristan Walker, Head of Business Development at Foursquare. “Adding these Chicago-specific badges encourages users to try out new businesses and promote lesser-known landmarks.”
After following Explore Chicago at www.foursquare.com/explorechicago, visitors and locals can “check-in” at over 60 eligible citywide locations to earn up to three Chicago-themed “badges”, all celebrating Chicago traditions. Game players are encouraged to discover the Blues through historic sites and iconic clubs, meet up with friends across town while searching for the perfect Chicago-style hot dog, and re-enact their favorite scenes at one of many well-known movie locations throughout the city.
To tap into the imaginations of film buffs everywhere, Explore Chicago developed the “On Location” badge, earned by engaging in one of five movie-themed experiences. Visit locations from movies such as The Blues Brothers, The Dark Knight, Ferris Bueller's Day Off and High Fidelity, or pay homage to “Chick Flicks in Chicago” by stopping by sites from My Best Friend's Wedding, The Break-Up, When Harry Met Sally, The Lake House and other favorites. Chowhounds get rewarded with a “Celery Salt” badge for visiting five notable Chicago-style hot dog establishments, including hot dog-serving sporting venues. Music fans are awarded a “Chicago Blues” badge for visiting five Blues landmarks and clubs.
Foursquare is free to download and is accessible on smart phones and other internet-connected mobile devices. While requirements for Foursquare badges are usually a mystery to game players, the Explore Chicago website is giving users a head start by posting lists of locations needed to earn the Chicago-themed badges at www.explorechicago.org/games. After checking in to each of the badge locations, users can read related “tips” provided by Explore Chicago, ranging from historical facts to movie trivia.
In addition to its partnership with Foursquare, the Chicago Office of Tourism has a strong presence in other social media outlets, including a seven-day-a-week Twitter Concierge Service (@explorechicago), which offers customized itineraries and restaurant suggestions. Visitor service representatives answer questions and provide information with a focus on free and discounted events and activities in neighborhoods throughout Chicago. Users can also interact with Explore Chicago on its Facebook page (www.bit.ly/chifacebook), through its Flickr pool (www.bit.ly/chiflickr), and watch neighborhood videos on its YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/explorechicago).
Visitors and Chicagoans planning to entertain out-of-town guests can receive Chicago brochures, reserve hotel accommodations and receive trip-planning assistance by calling toll-free 1.877.CHICAGO (1.877.244.2246), or visiting www.explorechicago.org. Brochures and information on Chicago’s exciting events and activities are also available at the Visitor Information Centers. The centers are located at Chicago Water Works, 163 East Pearson Street at Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 East Randolph Street. The TTY toll-free number for the hearing impaired is 1.866.710.0294.
The Chicago Office of Tourism, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, is the official City agency dedicated to promoting Chicago to domestic and international visitors and to providing innovative visitor programs and services.
Contact:
Kristin Unger
312.742.1080
kristin.unger@cityofchicago.org
