April 26, 2011

GOV. MALLOY ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW STATE TOURISM WEBSITE

CTvisit.com Promotes Thousands of Destinations in Connecticut

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced the launch of the new CTvisit.com , the state's official tourism website, in anticipation of the upcoming peak summer tourism season in Connecticut. The popular website is now an even more informational online travel planning resource, redesigned to better showcase all that Connecticut has to offer and meet evolving consumer expectations.

"Connecticut is a beautiful state - there is a lot to do, see, visit and enjoy here," said Governor Malloy. "The more than 2 million annual visitors to CTvisit.com will discover all that we, as Connecticut residents, take pride in and the reasons we choose Connecticut in which to live, work, and play."

"The new CTvisit.com promotes our state's authentic New England experiences juxtaposed with its vibrant cultural landscape," said Kip Bergstrom, Executive Director of the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism (CCT). "Marketing Connecticut as a destination is a key component of the state's economic strategy moving forward. Our unique mission brings visitors to Connecticut, creating jobs to employ state residents and support their families, and generating state and local funding to support services essential to Connecticut residents."

The search engine-optimized site features extensive content, social networking interfaces, RSS feeds, interactive travel maps and visitor-friendly functions: the "Getaway Wizard" tool instantly plans the perfect getaway when users answer three quick questions; new "Travel Deals" posted daily provide visitors more value for their leisure and vacation budgets; and the "Quick Search" returns what to do, where to stay and special events to enjoy based on the user's preferred experiences, whether they be family fun, outdoor adventure, rest and relaxation, arts and culture or history. "This Weekend" continues to be one of the most popular areas of CTvisit.com and "My Trip" planner saves visitors' best picks and plots a course to a great getaway in Connecticut.

"We are moving forward in redesigning the way we market tourism and cultural attractions and working with partners in those sectors," said Randy Fiveash, Director of the state's tourism office, a division of CCT. The site incorporates a new content management system that provides culture and tourism service providers complete access to update information and event listings, upload photos, and post travel deals. According to Fiveash, the new website has more sites linked to it than any other website providing Connecticut tourism information and is updated daily by partners, making it the most up-to-date.

During the past year, 2 million plus visitors to CTvisit.com viewed more than 10 million pages on the site, a 16% increase from the prior year, which Fiveash attributes to CCT's increased focus on continually posting new and exciting travel ideas. The website integrates with CCT's core marketing programs, including daily updates to its new Visit Connecticut Facebook page and Twitter account ( @CTVisit ). The hospitality services program at Connecticut Welcome Centers in Darien, Westbrook, North Stonington and West Willington provide travel planning information and brochures from attractions and lodging facilities to visitors and the state's official toll-free 888-CTvisit information line provides concierge planning services. CCT continues to work with media to publish travel stories about Connecticut.

The Economic Impact of Connecticut Tourism
Travelers to Connecticut spend more than $9 billion each year, generating $70 million annually in hotel occupancy taxes and $1.15 billion in state and local revenue. Travel and tourism results in 110,000 jobs - 6.5 percent of the state's total - and generates $5.3 billion in personal income and $7.95 billion in gross state product.

About the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism
The Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism brings together tourism, history and the arts. Its mission is to preserve and promote Connecticut's cultural and tourism assets in order to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of the state. For more information, log on to www.cultureandtourism.org .

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For Immediate Release: April 26, 2011
Contacts: Christopher Bergstrom, Executive Director
Leigh.Johnson@ct.gov
860-256-2727 (Leigh Johnson)
Randy Fiveash, Director of Tourism
Randall.Fiveash@ct.gov
860-256-2769

Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy