The New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has launched an SMS service that connects visitors to local businesses in the city.
The SMS search platform, provided by The MeNetwork, allows users to send search terms to a shortcode, 63638. The service will then text back with suggestions for places to go. There are currently 700 local businesses enrolled on the scheme, and the company says that number is growing.
The New Orleans CVB says it is also able to set up the SMS search engine to bring convention and event organisers a customised service that delivers offers created especially for event attendees,” says Stephen Perry, president and CEO of the New Orleans CVB. “New Orleans CVB members understand that there remains a great opportunity in mobile marketing, but many dont know where to start. The CVB has partnered with The MeNetwork because it allows our members to create and manage their own mobile campaigns individually, while taking advantage of the collective power of its network. It also allows our locals, convention attendees and visitors to quickly find what they are looking for in the time it takes to send a text.” 
The MeNetwork says the service is compatible with 98 per cent of phones in the US, and that it only sends messages when they are requested. The New Orleans service was launched earlier this month at the citys Essence festival, and received more than 1,500 requests in five days. The company now has The MeNetwork set up in 70 cities across the US.
