HOUSTON: DESTINATION UPDATE

HOUSTON, March, 2016: Houston, the most diverse city in the United States according to the Kinder Institute, is also the 4th largest city in the country. Houston is an international metropolis where more than 90 languages are spoken and 92 governments have official consulate representation. Houston is the cultural and culinary capital of the United States south region. This vibrant metropolis is home to a 20-museum District as well as to resident performing arts companies in its 17-block theater district, plus numerous artists and art galleries. Houston's restaurant scene is as ethnically diverse as its more than 6-million residents with more than 10,000 restaurants.

But don't take our word for it. Houston was the only U.S. destination on the Boston Globe's list of six "places to visit in 2015", and Travel + Leisure has consistently listed Houston in "Best Places to Travel (in the world) in 2015" and one of "America's Most Cultured Cities 2015".

EXPERIENCE HOUSTON LIKE A LOCAL

The Houston Culinary Tours, now in its sixth year, returns with the popular chef led tours. Find out “Where the Chefs Eat ™” with some of Houston's top chefs and explore interesting neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Long Point Road. Learn about everything from soul food to seafood and enjoy local beer from Saint Arnold's Brewery along the ride.

Fan of craft beer? Several local craft breweries offer daily tours and tastings. Guided tours are also available Saturdays by Brew Trek Houston, featuring the best craft breweries and bars.

RENOVATED CONVENTION DISTRICT

Houston is the host city for Super Bowl LI in 2017. The city has invested more than US$1.5 billion in infrastructure projects, just in the downtown convention district, where the activities for fans at the NFL Experience will be held. In this area, pedestrian friendly areas and new restaurants complete the renovation to the façade of the George R. Brown Convention Center, in addition to six new hotels scheduled to open before the end of 2016. Super Bowl LI will be played at the 71,500-seat NRG Stadium, home to the NFL team Houston Texans. Previously Houston hosted Super Bowl in 2004 and 1974.

Houston's NRG Stadium is also one of 10 U.S. venues selected to host matches during the historic Copa America Centenario to be played from June 3-26, 2016 in the United States.

INTERNATIONAL LANDMARK

The new Independence Plaza exhibit is now open at Space Center Houston. The six-story complex features a space shuttle replica mounted on top of the first shuttle carrier aircraft, the NASA 905. Unlike anything else in the world, Independence Plaza immerses visitors in the science and history of the shuttle era with hands-on exhibit displays. Visitors learn about the key role NASA Johnson Space Center played in the shuttle's development and see firsthand the future of space exploration through the interactive multi-media educational displays.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Users of the Houston CityPASS can visit five attractions for nearly half of the regular price at USD $56 for adults and USD $46 for children ages 3-11. The Houston CityPASS includes actual tickets to NASA Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium and Houston Museum of Natural Science. Visitors can also choose from the two option tickets to the Houston Zoo ~or~ Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and to the Children's Museum of Houston ~or~ Kemah Boardwalk.

GOLF COURSES

More than 165 golf courses—many designed by leading architects—and a mild winter climate make Houston a prime destination for golfers of all skill levels. Challenging play, eye-catching views and lush landscaping are the calling cards of Houston courses.

Just minutes from downtown, two public golf courses are located at Hermann Park near the Museum District, and at Memorial Park, west of Downtown. Memorial Park Golf Course is recognized as one of the best municipal courses in the nation. Located just 15 miles north of downtown, the Tournament Course at the Golf Club of Houston is home to the PGA Tour stop, the Shell Houston Open. The 18-hole championship layout was designed by renowned architect Rees Jones.

SHOPPING IN HOUSTON

The fourth largest city in the nation, Houston is arguably the style capital of the South. Houston is home to a Project Runway winner and more than a dozen distinct shopping areas, with retail that goes from vintage to high-end designer, plus the popular outlet shopping.

The sophisticated River Oaks District is now open with a concentration of high-end shops such as Chopard, Dior, Etro, Canali, Roberto Cavalli and Tom Ford. The 14-acre, mixed-use project encompasses restaurants and entertainment along with office space and luxury residential.

Find famous designer stores at The Galleria or exclusive boutique gems at nearby Uptown Park or Highland Village, plus see what's new at CityCentre. Budget conscious shoppers won't want to miss a shopping day at Katy Mills, Houston Premium Outlets or Tanger Outlets.

International shoppers can get a refund of their sales tax at Tax Free Shopping locations around the city or at Bush Intercontinental Airport, Terminals D and E.  For a list of participating stores and specific requirements please visit http://taxfreetexas.com/.

Houston's central location, 50 miles from the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, affords great connectivity around the world. Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport currently offers non-stop flights to 74 international destinations.

For more information on Houston, its restaurants, museums, events and attractions or to plan your next trip, visit: www.VisitHouston.com.

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