Connecticut Kicks Off Second Annual "Fan-Favorite" Program

HARTFORD, Conn., April 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Connecticut launched the second annual celebration of the places and spaces that make it still revolutionary. The socially driven Connecticut Fan-Favorite: Town program asks people to vote for the Connecticut town that they think most embodies the spirit of the state's brand, still revolutionary, by being a home for original ideas, inspiration and innovation. Participants will also have the opportunity to vote for the business, destination or attraction within that town that inspires them. The top 10 favorite towns will receive widespread promotional support and the winning town will also receive a two-minute video showcasing their innovative, inspiring and unique places and bragging rights for all of 2013. For each vote cast, people will be entered to win a getaway to the charming Connecticut River Valley.

"From bustling beach enclaves to rural retreats and storied cities, Connecticut's landscape is vastly diverse. Each community offers something unique and unforgettable. That's why we're calling on those who love this state to vote for the places that fill them with pride," said Kip Bergstrom, DECD Deputy Commissioner. "Last year, consumers around the country rallied to name the Mark Twain House & Museum their favorite Connecticut destination. We look forward to naming one town the first-ever Fan-Favorite still revolutionary Town of the year."

Participants can vote once a day on the Visit Connecticut Facebook page through May 15^th. Each vote counts as a chance to win the getaway. Those most passionate about their favorite town are encouraged to rally friends and family. For every person rallied to vote, consumers will receive an additional entry to win.

Destinations, attractions and businesses across the state are also encouraged to mobilize their communities to help raise votes for their town and place. The business or attraction within the winning town that receives the most consumer votes will be included in the video.

The grand prize getaway to the Connecticut River Valley is packed with special stops in some of Connecticut's most charming towns - including Essex, Old Lyme, Chester and East Haddam. The winner will receive a two-night stay and dinner for two at the historic Griswold Inn in Essex, a two-night stay and dinner at the Bee and Thistle Inn in Old Lyme, free entry for two to the Gillette Castle in East Haddam, a $50 gift card to use at Pattaconk Bar & Grille in Chester and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme.

The Connecticut Fan-Favorite: Town program launches in tandem with states' spring marketing efforts, which includes both tourism and business development advertising. The creative for the campaign is a combination of TV, print and digital media and will run in parts of New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

Those not on Facebook can cast their vote by mailing a hard copy entry. For additional details on CT Fan-Favorite: Town and program imagery, along with additional information on CT events, trip ideas and exclusive deals check out www.CTvisit.com and follow Connecticut on Twitter @CTvisit.

About still revolutionary
In 2012, Connecticut created and launched a new state brand after having been out of the market for two years. In seven months, the campaign generated an estimated $161 million in tourism spending during spring/summer, which delivered enough tax revenue to pay for the initial investment. Since launching the campaign, major tourism attractions saw a 6.8% increase in visitation and the state generated a revitalization of its social hub for tourism, the Visit Connecticut Facebook page – which is now consistently ranked among the top 10 state pages in the country.

About The Connecticut Office of Tourism
In 2012, Connecticut's Office of Tourism (COT), a division of the Department of Economic and Community Development, launched a 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