Dallas Asian - Contact

Dallas, TX (January 12, 2006) – The Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau announced today a new phase of its “Live Large. Think Big.” campaign with the creation of DallasAsian.com, the official travel website of Dallas targeting the Asian American traveler. The Web site will provide all the information needed to plan a trip to Dallas as it features sections on the local Asian communities, arts and culture, dining and entertainment, shopping, sports and recreation, transportation and amenities and business and commerce. The campaign by the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau is unprecedented and unique, as no other city has ever attempted to focus on the Asian American traveler.

According to The Travel Industry Association of America, Asian Americans travel more often, for longer periods (an average of 4.4 days), and spend more money than any other minority group. Among their favorite activities are shopping, visiting historical sites and museums, outdoor recreation, cultural events and dining. DallasAsian informs visitors about Dallas's Asian community, restaurants, neighborhoods, businesses, festivals, cultural events and shopping districts. The site will also showcase Dallas' key attractions like The Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art, The Nasher Sculpture Center and the Dallas Museum of Art. Phillip Jones, President and CEO of the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau noted: "We've received positive response from Dallas's Asian community and business leaders. They see tremendous opportunity in communicating to Asian Americans the benefits of visiting and doing business in Dallas."

Research indicates Asian Americans outside of Texas have little knowledge of what Dallas has to offer, and the website will be both an invaluable guide and information source to them. Asians have long had an influence on the Dallas economy and community, dating to the arrival of Chinese railroad workers in 1869, many of whom settled in the area. Since that time, Asians have been a consistent influence on the local economy by demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit that has imbued Dallas with their unique character.

That spirit has resulted in the growth of Asian communities and a number of retail sectors throughout Dallas. These areas comprise popular shopping destinations like the Asian Trade District, home to over 300 specialty stores and 21 shopping centers, including the popular Sam Moon Center. Richardson’s DFW Chinatown, has authentic Chinese food and traditional shops. Little India, also located in Richardson, offers genuine Indian food, gold and sari stores, and distinctive food markets. Little Pakistan, in Carrollton, features the Al Markaz and IndoPak Plaza, offering restaurants, markets, jewelry and financial institutions.

Other Asian communities in the area offer authentic foods and shopping from China, India, Japan, Korea and Pakistan. They can be found in downtown Dallas, the Uptown area, Arlington, Garland, Plano and Mesquite. Many of these restaurants and businesses are family owned and have grown along with the Asian population in Dallas. There are now over 500,000 Asian Americans living in Dallas and surrounding areas.

Many Asian-owned banks are also located in the Dallas area. The growth of the Asian business community is further evidenced by the Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce, with over 1,000 members, being the largest such organization in America. The Asian American presence can be seen in the many events and festivals that are centered around Asian cultures, including: the 6th Annual Mochitsuki Japanese New Year's Celebration at The Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art; Chinese New Year Festival; The Asian Festival; the Diwali Festival; the Asian Film Festival; the 4th Annual Dallas South Asian Film Festival; and the Dallas International Festival.

"People are surprised when they learn how large, vibrant and influential the Asian community is in Dallas," says Linda Kao, Chairman of the Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber. "Asians living in other parts of the US are going to enjoy Dallas's hospitality and attractions, the authentic Asian foods and the thousands of shops and businesses that are unique to our area."

The "Live Large. Think Big." campaign is moving into a major new phase with the launch of www.DallasAsian.com, and the results should benefit Dallas and Asian travelers alike.