California Travel & Tourism Commission Announces First-Ever California Restaurant Month January 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Travel & Tourism Commission (CTTC) has a New Year's resolution everyone can stick to this January — eat, drink and be merry with healthy and delicious cuisine during California Restaurant Month.

More than 20 destinations across California have created special restaurant week or month-long promotions, featuring incredible offerings such as gourmet prix fixe menus, wine pairings and chef talks throughout California Restaurant Month, a new promotion created by California Tourism.

"California Restaurant Month is a great opportunity for foodies – and those who aspire to be – to experience the best of California's abundant and diverse wine and food product," said Caroline Beteta, CTTC president & CEO. "Visitors can save up to 25 percent on meals at some of the best restaurants in more than 20 destinations across the state, from mountain and coastal regions to urban and wine country hotspots. With these deals, there's never been a better time for an extended culinary getaway to California."

California is the leading destination for culinary travel in the U.S., attracting wine and food-oriented consumers who tend to be more educated and affluent, and want to stay longer to experience other activities like national parks, spas and arts and culture – making them a high-value consumer. California Restaurant Month is a great opportunity for these travelers to combine their passion for wine and food with other experiences – such as skiing, surfing, hiking or festivals – in various regions in just one trip.

Last year, travelers in California spent $21.3 billion on food and beverages, more than any other spending segment, constituting 26 percent of all visitor spending (Source: Dean Runyan Associates).

"One of the reasons California attracts these consumers it that here they have a personal connection to the food they enjoy," Beteta said. "California produces more than 400 agricultural crops, attracting some of the greatest chefs who enjoy creating with the freshest ingredients – which whets visitors' appetites for more. Enjoying the California healthy, locovore lifestyle this January is a New Year's resolution we can all stick to! "

The following destinations are participating in California Restaurant Month: Costa Mesa, El Dorado County, Fresno, Irvine, Los Angeles, Madera County, Marin County, Monterey County, Napa Valley, Newport Beach, Oakland, Oxnard, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo County, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez Valley, Shasta-Cascade, Temecula Valley, Tri-Valley and Yountville. For more information on dining promotions in these areas, visit www.visitcalifornia.com/restaurantmonth.

About CTTC: CTTC is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state's travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to CTTC, travel and tourism expenditures total $87.7 billion annually in California, support jobs for 881,000 Californians and generate $5.3 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about CTTC and for a free California Visitor's Guide, go to www.VisitCalifornia.com.

SOURCE California Travel & Tourism Commission