July 15, 2008 | Volume 3, Issue 22

JOIN UP AS A STAYCATION DESTINATION

Governor Jodi Rell officially launched the state’s new culture and tourism initiative, “Connecticut – Your Staycation Destination,” this month at the Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum on Route 10 in Cheshire. The program offers discounts to Connecticut residents at hundreds of attractions throughout the state. The attractions – or “destinations” – and discounts are featured here.

As part of the Staycation program, the Barker Animation Art Gallery is offering a 10 percent discount on all purchases and the Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum is offering a free penny toy for each child and a Connecticut souvenir for each family. Other attractions in the region are encouraged to sign up for the Staycation Destination program. Click here to get started!

“Summer is here and there is so much to do and see throughout Connecticut,” Governor Rell said. “The Staycation program will allow families to afford exciting recreational opportunities during these challenging economic times. Now more than ever, there is no reason to go anywhere else during the summer – especially with the discounts being offered by hundreds of Staycation destinations,” she added.

COUPON BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR VISITORS TO NEW HAVEN AND MILFORD

The Merchants Disount Program Book, a new initiative by the Greater New Haven Convention & Visitors Bureau, encourages shoppers to visit retail districts in the region. Distribution of the New Haven Merchants Discount Program Book to conference groups and leisure travelers began in spring 2008. This summer, the Milford Merchants Discount Program Book began enticing visitors to coastal downtown Milford to enjoy the cluster of shops, eateries and attractions. The availability of these merchant discounts has been promoted on the visitNewHaven.com website. Daily requests are being received. Plans are in the works to create additional Merchant Discount Program Books within Greater New Haven, specifically in towns with a high concentration of retail and restaurants.

THERE IS STILL TIME TO GET YOUR LOCAL HOTEL PACKAGE POSTED AND POSSIBLY LISTED IN THE NEW YORK TIMES FOR FREE!!

As part of the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism’s summer ad campaign, a quarter-page ad will run every Friday in the New York Times' "Escapes" section now through October. Each week the five most appealing specials for families or couples will be selected from CTvisit.com for inclusion in the ads and receive more than one million newspaper impressions that week (for FREE!). Specials that offer consumer experiences - R&R, family fun, arts & culture, history and active adventure - are most attractive to visitors and increase your chances of inclusion. Visit the CTVisit Partner Site or call Jean Hebert at 860-256-2739 or email Jean.Hebert@po.state.ct.us to post your specials. Please remember that specials are overnight packages with lodging and other elements (e.g. admissions, meals) or discounted offers.

TIME TO RE-STOCK BROCHURES FOR LONG WHARF INFO CENTER

All hotels, restaurants and attractions in the Greater New Haven region are invited to deliver brochures and/or coupons for their establishments to the main office of the Greater New Haven Convention & Visitors Bureau at 169 Orange St., New Haven. Your promotional materials will be displayed at the recently opened Long Wharf INFO Center. The hours for the Long Wharf INFO Center are: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Any questions regarding the Center contact: Jennifer Lahert

SEE HERE! AUGUST WEEKENDS FILLING UP WITH TENNIS AND MORE!

SAVE THE DATE: SEPTEMBER 19, 2008

SAVE THE DATE: SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 Join hospitality industry associates at the upcoming marketing seminars sponsored by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism. The Greater New Haven CVB will be hosting the September 19 seminar at 9:00am (location to-be-determined). If you would like to receive the notice regarding the marketing seminar send a note to: Barbara Malmberg