California Travel & Tourism Commission Launches "Three Days Isn't Enough" Campaign and Sweepstakes in Response to Royal Visit

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As the entertainment capital of the world, it's only natural that California would mark the high-profile arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with a media splash. The California Travel & Tourism Commission (CTTC) introduces a new "Three Days Isn't Enough" national television campaign inviting the royal couple and visitors across the country to explore the stunning scenery and enviable lifestyle found in California. While the commercial is inspired by Will and Kate's first official U.S. appearance (July 8-10), the scenes actually highlight what the couple won't have time to do during their three days in California.

"California is big enough to hold several small European countries, so three days simply isn't enough for the royal couple – or any traveler – to experience everything the state has to offer," said Caroline Beteta, CTTC President and CEO.  "We know the Duke and Duchess are here on official business and have a productive schedule ahead of them in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, yet we couldn't pass up this golden opportunity to point out what they could do with more time in California. We welcome them to return, and we also invite travelers to take – better yet, enter to win – their own Royal California Holiday."

From camping under glittering stars in the desert and soaking in scenic mountain hot springs, to wandering through giant redwood forests and climbing to great heights in Yosemite National Park, the commercial showcases the diversity and abundance of California experiences awaiting royals and "commoners" alike. The spot will air for two weeks beginning today, and the public is invited to embark on their very own royal visit to the Golden State by entering to win a Royal California Holiday sweepstakes or booking a Royal Summer vacation.

The "Three Days Isn't Enough" commercial directs viewers to Facebook.com/YahooShine, where they can enter (June 27-July 15) to win a Royal California Holiday by telling Will and Kate why three days isn't enough. The sweepstakes prize package comes courtesy of Mauiva AirCruise™ – a revolutionary new travel product that is redefining the "all-inclusive" vacation concept, allowing travelers to maximize experiences and minimize travel time while city-hopping by private planes through private airports. In this case, the city-hopping will be exclusively in California, with a royal twist on Mauiva's recently launched Western Wonder Tour. Five lucky winners and their guests will get a taste of the jet-set lifestyle on an action-packed, eight-day journey with stops in Los Angeles, Monterey, San Francisco, Fresno and Yosemite. Details and official rules are outlined on Facebook.com/YahooShine.

Whether travelers have three days or three weeks to experience California, anyone can make it a royal summer. Hotels, attractions and venues statewide are offering special Royal Summer packages inspired by Will and Kate's visit. Dozens of fit-for-royalty offers are available on VisitCalifornia.com/RoyalSummer and run the gamut from budget-friendly to over-the-top luxury.

The California Travel & Tourism Commission 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 $95.1 billion annually in California (18 percent of which is international), support jobs for 873,000 Californians and generate $6.1 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about CTTC and for a free California Visitor's Guide, go to VisitCalifornia.com.

"Royal California Holiday" Sweepstakes:  no purchase necessary; void where prohibited.  Open to legal residents of the 50 United States (except Florida) & D.C., 21 and older.  Runs 6/27/11-7/15/11.  ARV of all prizes: $55,000.  Sponsors: Yahoo! Inc., 701 First Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94089; California Travel & Tourism Commission: 980 9th Street, Suite 480, Sacramento, CA 95814. 

SOURCE California Travel & Tourism Commission