HOUSTON/DALLAS
Visit Houston provided its first official storm update in the afternoon on Tues., Aug. 29. Visit Dallas also provided Meetings Today with an update on the city’s shelter efforts to aid those displaced by Harvey.
Visit Houston First Update 08.29.17
“Over these last few days, the residents of this great city have shown the true Heart of Houston, and demonstrated how resilient and caring a community can be under the most trying circumstances. We are proud of the efforts of so many Houstonians who have come to the aid of their fellow man in these trying times.
"While Harvey’s rains will soon leave this city, much work remains to be done. We are so grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from around the nation, and the many donations to local charities that will be needed to help support those who have lost so much.
“Houston First is working closely with all major convention hotels and facilities in the area to get a status of their operations. Here is the update on key facilities as of today [Aug. 29, 2017]:
- At the moment, Houston's George R. Brown Convention Center is serving as an emergency shelter for thousands who have been left homeless. The convention center is fully functional and the convention campus, Avenida Houston, sustained no damage. At this point it’s too early to say how long the facility will be used in that capacity.
- According to the most recent reports, surrounding hotels in downtown Houston sustained no damage and are fully operational.
- Both airports are expected to be operational by the end of the week.
- Many of the facilities in Houston’s Theatre District have sustained damage. Evaluations are currently underway to determine the extent of the damage, and its impact on future operations.
“We understand the uncertainty this creates for so many who had plans to visit Houston. The staff at Houston First will provide its next update on Friday, Sept. 1, 2017. We ask for your patience and understanding as we work through what has been an unparalleled natural disaster.”
VisitDallas Email Update to Meetings Today on 08.29.17
Stephanie Faulk, director of communications with VisitDallas, referred to an official statement that was released by VisitDallas from President and CEO Phillip J. Jones, and also provided further updates.
“The [Kay Bailey Hutchison] shelter affects one level of the convention center and no groups have been displaced. Physically, Dallas is fine and we have experienced no effects from the storm. Clear skies here.
“As you can imagine, things are changing rapidly but I’m happy to keep you updated. Dallas ran very successful shelter efforts after Katrina and Rita and we feel the city is well-equipped for Harvey.
“We’ll be launching a site soon with updated information and will send that along.”
Stay tuned to MeetingsToday.com for more information when it becomes available.
