Executive director of the Carson City Convention & Visitors Bureau

3) Most of our readers are vegetarian. They don’t eat meat, fish or eggs. Do you have facilities for vegetarian food near the popular tourist destinations?

While most of our restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, there aren’t any that specifically specialize in vegetarian cuisine.

Indian Garden Restaurant & Bar offers an extensive buffet with Indian favorites.

Stepping into The Basil transports you to Thailand with a warm, friendly staff greeting upon arrival. The restaurant is decorated with traditional Thai artwork, linens and décor. Continually creating new specials adds freshness to the menu, while tried and true favorites are presented with an impressive flourish. Owner Nan Watanar shops for all the food and provides jobs for Thai immigrants indoctrinating them into the Carson City way; she also has an interior design business.

4) Which are the websites in English that gives information about destination and various tourist attractions?

www.visitcarsoncity.com

5) Do you find that Asian Indians visit often visit the destination that you represent?

We don’t have any demographic studies to point to that. But Carson City does have a strong Asian Indian community.

6) What advertising & marketing method you use to reach out to potential tourists and investors? Which medium is the most effective medium?

We mostly use public relations, online communities, direct mail, print advertising and mail. The internet seems to be the most effective.

7) Has the current global economic downturn impacted the flow of tourists? How are you dealing with this situation?

The economic downturn has definitely impacted the flow of tourists, but we are working on value-added packages to encourage families, couples and seniors to the area. While Carson City is already an affordable destination, we are constantly working on ways to make our destination more attractive.

8) What does most visitors and guests enjoy the most when they visit your destination?

While we have incredible museums, outdoor activities and dining, most visitors like the comfort they experience in Carson City. Locals are friendly and welcoming, which gives visitors a sense of ease and relaxation.

9) What are the most popular festivals or events for general tourists?

Kit Carson Trail Ghost Walk (every October) – Homes along the Kit Carson Trail, a 2.5-mile path through Carson City’s famous historic homes district, are open to visitors with costumed characters to share stories of the home’s and resident’s history.

Rendezvous (every June) – Celebrating Carson City’s mid-1800s history with live music, Mountain Man Encampment, Civil War Reenactment, Native American Village and a Dutch Oven Cook Off the Rendezvous has activities for the whole family.

Railfest (every August) – A celebration of the past, present and future of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, Railfest harkens back to Nevada’s mining boom. Saturday includes activities in Virginia City – train rides along the historic V&T Railway. Sunday moves to Carson City with activities at the Nevada State Railroad Museum.

10) Which are the popular trade-shows, conferences and events for travel professionals?

Carson City attends a variety of these, as do most destinations. But we do not host any.