June 10, 2008 | Volume 3, Issue 20

JOIN IN WELCOMING NEW STAFF MEMBER TO 169 ORANGE STREET

The Greater New Haven Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Town Green Special Services District are pleased to announce the addition of Margaret Spellman to the staff. As a former Town Green Ambassador Margaret is a natural fit for her new Hospitality Coordinator position. She is responsible for visitor inquiry fulfillment and serves as dispatcher for the Ambassador program. As the front line person Margaret is the friendly voice and welcome smile at 169 Orange Street. Please join in welcoming her during your next visit to our office!

SUMMER EXHIBIT OF VAN GOGH’S PAINTINGS TO DRAW VISITORS

Vincent van Gogh’s Cypresses and The Starry Night: Visions of Saint-Rémy will be on display at the Yale Art Gallery (YAG) this summer beginning June 15 through Sept 7. The YAG is pleased to exhibit two of Van Gogh’s most renowned paintings, side by side for the first time. “Completed in June 1889, during his yearlong confinement at the asylum in Saint-Rémy, these paintings exemplify the work of this modern master at the height of his creativity. Together, they reveal the artist’s vivid and tender vision of Saint-Rémy as he observed the French countryside from his window—by day and through the night,” reported YAG staff. To ensure a pleasant and unrushed experience for Gallery visitors, free timed tickets will be available starting May 29 at http://artgallery.yale.edu

PREMIERE HOTEL AND SUITES COMPLETES $4 MILLION RENOVATION

Saunders Hotel Group, LLC of Boston unveiled the newest addition to its hotel portfolio with the official re-opening of the Premiere Hotel and Suites located at 3 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven. The renovation touched every aspect of the hotel, from the exterior and newly designed gatehouse reception area, to the workout facility and all-new meeting space. Congratulations to the management and staff of the Premiere Hotel and Suites. For further information contact: Craig J. Troxell, Director of Sales.

FREE PACKAGE LISTINGS IN THE NEW YORK TIMES OFFERED BY CCT

Want a free listing and the chance to have your packages featured in the New York Times? Post your overnight packages on CTvisit.com, the state's official tourism Web site, where your specials will be seen by more than two million Web visitors each year. In addition, your specials may be selected for packages on CTvisit.com, the state's official tourism Web site.

New York Times advertising - As part of the Commission's summer ad campaign, 19 quarter-page ads will run every Friday in the New York Times' "Escapes" section from May to October. Five appealing specials for families or couples will be selected from CTvisit.com for inclusion in the ads every week. If selected, your special can receive more than one million newspaper impressions that week. Connecticut tourism e-newsletter - Packages and specials are featured monthly in the Commission's e-newsletter, which reaches more than 300,000 opt-in subscribers. 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.

UPCOMING BUSY WEEKENDS—TAKE SPECIAL NOTE OF THESE DATES:

June 14		Connecticut Open House Day
June 14-28		International Festival of Arts and Ideas, New Haven
June 13-15		The Branford Festival, Branford
June 21-22		46th Annual Connecticut Irish Festival, Feis & Agricultural Fair, North Haven
June 20-21		4th Annual Triple Crown Division I Championship, North Branford
June 26-29		108th Annual St. Andrew’s Italian Festa Celebration, New Haven

GNHCVB Completes Distribution of 2008 Greater New Haven Visitors Guide to Tourism Partners in the Region

All of the hotels, motels, inns, B&B’s and attractions in the Greater New Haven region should have received their initial allotment of Visitor Guides. The Guide was printed in April and distributed in May to more than 112 attractions and 76 properties in the region. These are made available to tourism constituents so that they in turn can provide a handy resource to out-of-towners visiting their establishments. If your place of business did not receive ample supplies and would like to order more, contact Margaret at the CVB office: Call 203-777-8550 or email margarets@visitnewhaven.com

SAVE THE DATES: October 6 & 7, 2008

Join hospitality industry associates as you learn the latest in food, technology, supplies, spirits, equipment and décor at the 4th annual Connecticut Restaurant & Lodging Show to be held at the Connecticut Expo Center October 6 & 7, 2008 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.