USA. Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is rolling out several programmes aimed at boosting a better Sense of Place.
‘Discover Pittsburgh’ offers five days of live music, entertainment, food, giveaways and celebrity appearances in PIT Airmall from 12 – 16 September. The programme includes artwork from the Andy Warhol Museum, a live penguin show, collaborations with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh Zoo and appearances by Pittsburgh sports mascots Iceburgh and Pirate Parrot.
PIT said the programme is part of its commitment to bring more of the region into the airport by highlighting local institutions and attractions. A similar event was held last year.
‘Voices of Pittsburgh’ is running on the trains that connect the Airside and Landside terminals. Voices of Pittsburgh includes spots by University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Patrick Gallagher, US Olympic Women’s Volleyball Captain Christa Harmotto Dietzen and Larry Richert, co-host of the KDKA-AM morning show. Voices will change to showcase current events and people from the region.
Enhancing the Pittsburgh Sense of Place also extends to airport Customer Service agents and volunteer ambassadors, who have been trained about local heritage to improve traveller interactions.
Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis said: “Creating a sense of place at the airport and bringing more of the region’s rich arts and cultural scene here is important. Pittsburghers have a lot to be proud of and we want that to be reflected at the airport.
“We’re looking at how we can continue to improve that experience and these programmes are just the start.”