2017 Connecticut Governor's Conference on Tourism Set for May 4
Tourism Industry Award Nominations Due April 7
HARTFORD, Conn., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tourism industry professionals from across Connecticut are invited to attend the annual Connecticut Governor's Conference on Tourism on Thursday, May 4, 2017 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.
Hosted by the Connecticut Office of Tourism, in partnership with the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau, the conference offers attendees the latest insights from industry experts on how to grow their business. All those engaged in Connecticut's $14.7 billion tourism industry — hotels/B&Bs, restaurants, casinos, attractions, entertainment venues, historic sites, arts and cultural institutions, towns and cities — are encouraged to register now to guarantee their seats. Last year, the conference attracted over 500 industry professionals. To purchase an all-access pass for $99, visit www.CTTourismConference.com.
The program includes a series of business-building presentations highlighting today's best practices in tourism, as well as workshops on how to leverage the state's integrated marketing program, including the free listing pages on CTvisit.com for tourism partners. This all-new tourism website attracted 4.2 million visits in 2016.
Workshops will cover such topics as:
- Creating a better visitor experience.
- Marketing on a shoestring budget.
- Boosting your ratings on travel sites.
- Making your standard offering new.
- Attracting international travelers.
- Creating deals and travel packages that sell.
- Making content marketing work for you.
- Getting great photos on little to no budget.
The keynote address will be delivered by Doug Lanksy — a noted travel journalist and industry expert. Lansky has written several Lonely Planet and Rough Guides books, hosted a Travel Channel show, spoken at such leading conferences as TEDxStockholm and the United Nations World Tourism Organization, and contributed to a number of publications, including National Geographic Traveler, Reader's Digest, Esquire, The Guardian and Huffington Post.
For the third year, the Connecticut Governor's Tourism Awards will also be announced at the conference. These awards recognize individuals and businesses who have made a significant contribution to one of the fastest growing sectors of Connecticut's economy which now employs nearly 83,000 people. Award categories include Tourism Leader of the Year, Tourism Rising Star, Tourism Partner of the Year, Tourism Legacy Leader and Tourism Volunteer of the Year. The nomination deadline is April 7, 2017. Nominations can be submitted at www.CTTourismConference.com/awards.
"As the only statewide tourism industry event of its kind, we encourage all of those interested in promoting tourism to and around Connecticut to attend," said Randy Fiveash, director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism. "It's a great opportunity to exchange ideas on how to build your individual business as well as the state's $14.7 billion industry."
Platinum sponsors for the event include Aer Lingus, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mohegan Sun and Waterford Hotel Group. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
About The Connecticut Governor's Conference on Tourism
The Connecticut Governor's Conference on Tourism is the only statewide tourism industry event. It brings together professionals from hotels, restaurants, casinos, tourist attractions, entertainment venues, historic sites, and cultural and arts institutions to share best practices and gain valuable insights from leading tourism and travel experts. The event is produced by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and Connecticut Office of Tourism, in partnership with the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau. For more information, visit www.CTTourismConference.com.
SOURCE Connecticut Office of Tourism
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