Scenic Washington State Launches Colorful, Versatile, Interactive Travel Planning

SEATTLE, April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, Scenic Washington State becomes the region's newest resource for versatile travel planning in the state of Washington.  This new suite of products by Destination Media Alliance offers consumers fully integrated print, digital and mobile travel planning capabilities. The interactive glossy publication works in tandem with ScenicWA.com and will soon be optimized for mobile devices, linking directly to suggested itineraries and planning tools that enable users to plan the perfect road trip. Cutting edge Digimarc Discover technology is embedded in the print magazine, allowing readers to scan uniquely identified photos with a smartphone or tablet, opening up a world of rich online content including videos, slide shows and more.

"Travel and tourism is about mobility, and Scenic Washington State is the go-to tool for planning the perfect road trip.  It's different from other guides in its unique on-the-road accessibility," explained Destination Media Alliance principal and publisher Paul Heppner.  "Users can now access everything from saved itineraries to suggested pit-stops, when they want, where they want and how they want – be it in print, online, or mobile format."

National research indicates that the desire for mobile travel features is continually growing. According to an emarketer.com survey taken in 2011, 46 percent of U.S. active travelers use iPads or other tablets to find restaurants or shops nearby, and 26 percent view virtual visitor guides from their devices[1].  With Scenic Washington's interactive website, Washington state travelers can now plan road trips ahead of time and easily access and share their travel plans and information from their phones or tablets while on the go. 

Scenic Washington State's Senior Editor Anne Erickson leverages knowledge gained as producer of KING 5's long running television series Northwest Backroads, to lead a group of "insiders" who scour the state providing invaluable expertise in helping readers plan the perfect road trip.  This ever growing group of insiders each specialize in activities tailored to a variety of interests, covering topics like food and wine, back roading, family travel and golf. The "Ask the Insider" feature on ScenicWA.com allows readers to interact with these experts directly by asking questions and creating online dialogue.

A digital version of the magazine can be accessed on a tablet or smart phone.  For those more traditionally inclined, travel counselors are always available to answer questions and troubleshoot by calling 1-800-544-1800. Free print copies of Scenic Washington can be ordered online at www.ScenicWA.com.  The magazine will also be available at visitor information centers, transportation hubs and AAA offices throughout the Western United States and British Columbia. Find Scenic Washington on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ScenicWA.

About Scenic Washington
Scenic Washington is an interactive glossy travel magazine that works in tandem with ScenicWA.com to assist savvy travelers in creating personalized getaways. Its publisher, Destination Media Alliance, LLC (DMA) was formed by industry veterans Paul Heppner, Marcus Yearout and Lisa Schwartz and to further develop products and services in the tourism category. The company published The Official Washington State Travel Planner (2009-2011) for the State Tourism office. DMA has created print products including Washington State Scenic Byways & Road Trips and Washington State Wine Tour Guide (2011 & 2012).

Media Contacts:

Erin Petrie Osborne / Katie Links
\\\ GREENRUBINO
Direct: 206.452.8174 / 206.957.4248
[email protected] / [email protected]
www.greenrubino.com/pr

[1] Source: via www.emarketer.com, from Ypartnership and Harrison Group, "2011 Portrait of American Travelers" as cited in company blog, April 28, 2011.

SOURCE Scenic Washington