Connecticut Announces Search for "Still Revolutionary" Destinations

HARTFORD, Conn., July 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Connecticut Office of Tourism unveiled a socially-driven campaign for residents and visitors to share which Connecticut destinations and attractions embody the spirit of still revolutionary, the state's new brand. The destination that receives the most votes will be featured in a digital ad spot, as well as in a short documentary video that will run online and on the state's social media channels this fall.

Similar to the "What's Your Connecticut Story?" campaign, which launched earlier this year, the program offers another way for the public to get involved in the state's marketing efforts. The CT Fan-Favorite campaign will run on state's Facebook and Twitter pages for two weeks, with the ten most frequently submitted destinations included in a Facebook poll and final destination chosen by popular vote.

"Since launching still revolutionary this spring, we continue to hear stories about the places and hidden gems that inspire our residents and visitors. That ability to innovate and inspire people every day is what being still revolutionary is all about," said Christopher "Kip" Bergstrom, Deputy Commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development. "Whether passionate about the underwater adventures at The Maritime Aquarium, exploring the history of aviation at the New England Air Museum, curling up with a good book at Ocean Beach Park or taking in thrill after thrill at Lake Compounce, the CT Fan-Favorite campaign is a way for residents and frequent visitors to not only share their favorite destinations with each other, but with anyone looking to plan a trip Connecticut."

To get involved, residents and visitors can post or tweet their favorite destination from today through July 31, 2012. To be considered, the destinations must be submitted on a Facebook status update that includes #CTFanFavorite or tagged on Twitter with the same hashtag. The top ten most frequently submitted destinations will be compiled into a Facebook poll which will live on the Visit Connecticut Facebook page from August 6 – August 20.

Destination/Attraction Criteria for Consideration

• Located in Connecticut
• Enhances and supports the image of Connecticut as still revolutionary – a destination that continues to inspire visitors each and every day
• Serves as a true tourism attraction/destination for the state, either built or natural
  • Natural Tourism Attraction: Natural attractions comprise geographic or other natural features of tourist interest and be managed by a recognized agency or body, including:
    • Parks and Reserves; Waterfalls, lakes, dams and other water catchment areas; Beaches; Caves, rock formations; Scenic lookouts, viewing areas, vistas and areas of impressive natural beauty
  • Built Tourism Attraction: Tourism must clearly be an important part of the business; have all relevant State and Local Government licenses and approvals to operate as a commercial tourist attraction including health, planning, parking and disabled access facilities
• Any destinations/attractions included in the first round of creative this spring (including Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, Gillette Castle, Goodspeed Opera House, Essex Steam Train, Hammonasset State Beach, Brownstone Quarry Adventure Park, Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods, Rocky Neck State Park, The Bushnell, The Hartford Capitol Building, Connecticut Science Center) will not be eligible for submission/receive the consumer vote
• Please note that for this particular program, restaurants, individuals, retail stores, cities or municipalities will not be eligible for consideration
• Events submitted must be open to the public and be available for 100 or more visitors or spectators
• The full list of criteria can be found on facebook.com/VisitConnecticut

For more information or to submit your favorite destination to the Fan-Favorite campaign visit the Visit Connecticut Facebook page or follow on Twitter @CTvisit. For additional information on CT events, trip ideas and exclusive deals check out www.CTvisit.com.

About still revolutionary
still revolutionary is a new marketing initiative designed to serve as a rallying point to help build pride among residents and bolster the state's reputation as a business and tourism destination. It is a 360-degree integrated campaign delivered through a variety of touch points including TV, radio, print, digital, out of home, public relations and social media.  Since the campaign launched in May, CTvisit.com has seen an 80% increase in site visitation. As of early July, still revolutionary ads have been viewed more than 180,000 times on YouTube and through the strategic media buy have reached the target consumer more than 200MM times with campaign messaging. To date, more than 103,000 people are fans of the Visit Connecticut Facebook page.

About The Connecticut Office of Tourism
Connecticut's Office of Tourism (COT), a division of the Department of Economic and Community Development, recently debuted the new state brand identity, still revolutionary, a strategic marketing initiative designed to build pride among residents and bolster the state's reputation as a business and tourism destination. Connecticut is home to fine dining and entertainment, serene beaches and hiking trails, historic treasures and world class museums. To obtain more information about Connecticut tourism or plan your next trip, visit www.CTvisit.com or call 1-888-CTvisit.

SOURCE Connecticut Office of Tourism