Massachusetts WorldFest Returns to Celebrate Diverse Festivals and Events

State Marketing Initiative Highlights Multicultural Events throughout the Commonwealth

BOSTON, June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) have partnered again this year to support WorldFest, an annual celebration of Massachusetts' summer ethnic and cultural events. Bay Staters and visitors alike can visit massvacation.com/WorldFest (http://www.massvacation.com/WorldFest) to view a listing of multicultural events taking place in the Commonwealth between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This is the second year the two agencies have partnered to support this promotion.

"WorldFest offers one easy, online stop to discover the rich array of cultural festivals taking place across Massachusetts this summer," said Anita Walker, executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. "This website and marketing campaign will leverage our state's diversity and creativity to draw new visitors to our communities."

"Everyone is making tough choices about summer vacation budgets," said Betsy Wall, executive director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism. "It's not necessary to spend a bundle to see the world. Everyone can enjoy these fun and festive events all across Massachusetts."

The campaign is supported with funds appropriated by the state Legislature to promote cultural tourism in Massachusetts. The WorldFest campaign is being supported with an online and radio advertising campaign. Visitors to the WorldFest site can search for events by date, region or event name.

"I am very pleased that the legislature was able to support this event for another year," Chairman of the Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development Representative John Keenan (D-Salem) remarked. "The Commonwealth has so many great events each summer, and WorldFest is a great resource to learn about the myriad of choices that Massachusetts has to offer."

"WorldFest showcases fantastic multicultural events throughout the Commonwealth," said Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz (D-Jamaica Plain), who co-chairs the joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. "In these tough economic times, I encourage citizens to take advantage of the many affordable, fun, and exciting events throughout the state. These events provide a great opportunity for families to enjoy the wonderful heritage and diversity here in Massachusetts, while also supporting our local economy. All without having to break the bank. I hope everyone will join in celebrating the Commonwealth's cultural heritage."

The following list highlights WorldFest events. A most up-to-date listing can be found at www.massvacation.com/worldfest.

    Berkshire Summer Arts Festival, Great Barrington
    July 3-5

    Latin American Festival, Worcester
    August 15-16

    Bread & Roses Festival, Lawrence
    September 4-7

    Sorrento Cheese Fishermans Feast, Boston
    August 13-16

    Great New England Feast of the Holy Ghost, Fall River
    August 27-30

About The MCC:

The Massachusetts Cultural Council is a state agency that promotes excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and sciences, to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities. The Council pursues this mission through a combination of grants, services, and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and individual artists. To learn more go to www.massculturalcouncil.org

About MOTT:

The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination in order to stimulate the Massachusetts economy by generating state and local tax revenues, creating jobs, and supporting the growth of travel-related businesses. MOTT serves as a leader in the tourism industry, bringing together the public and private sectors to promote Massachusetts as a leisure travel destination. Tourism is an integral part of the state's economy, generating more than $944 million in state and local taxes and $15.1 billion in travel related expenditures. The industry supports 127,800 in-state jobs.

SOURCE Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

RELATED LINKS
http://www.massvacation.com/worldfest