Westport Named Connecticut 'Still Revolutionary' Fan-Favorite Town Of The Year

HARTFORD, Conn., Aug. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the Connecticut Office of Tourism announced that the public has named Westport the Connecticut still revolutionary Fan-Favorite Town of the Year. Westport, a coastal town that offers a blend of New England charm and tradition with a cosmopolitan twist, successfully harnessed the pride of residents and visitors and earned more votes than any other town, village, city or borough across the state. Compo Beach, a 29 acre park along the shore of Long Island Sound, was chosen as the top destination within Westport.

"Through our investments in programs like Connecticut still revolutionary Fan-Favorite Town, we are promoting the wide array of communities and destinations across the state that exude a kind of classic New England charm that you can only find in Connecticut," said Governor Dannel P. Malloy. "We are also giving residents an opportunity to highlight all of the qualities that make their towns unique and demonstrating to potential visitors something we already know – this is a great place to visit, live, work and play."

A video created by three Westport fifth-graders ignited momentum for Westport and helped drive votes and participation in the program. The video featured more than 42 businesses, destinations and attractions within the town, as well as an appearance by Westport's First Selectman, Jim Marpe, who actively encouraged people to cast their vote for Westport throughout the length of the program.

"It has been incredible to see the passion and creativity coming from all areas of the state to support this year's Fan-Favorite Town program and we commend Westport and all of the towns and destinations that got involved," said Randy Fiveash, Director of Tourism. "By giving the public the opportunity to champion and spread the word about their favorite towns and destinations we tapped into the pride of those who are most passionate about Connecticut." 

For capturing the most votes, Westport will receive:

• Advertising support from the Connecticut Office of Tourism
• National and in-state public relations support
• Editorial feature in the 2015 Official Connecticut Visitor's Guide
• Week-long social media feature across the Connecticut Office of Tourism's social channels - an audience of more than 200,000
• Honorary plaque

"I'm so proud of our fifth grade students, Clara Holleman, Sydney Newman and Sutton Lindau, in making this informative and lively video," said First Selectman Jim Marpe. "Westport has so much to offer from our beaches and parks, historic landmarks, award-winning theaters and educational programs, the visual arts, shopping and restaurants. We hope that this honor encourages even more people to visit and see what makes Westport the top town."

Putnam, Niantic, Mystic, New London, Torrington, Simsbury, Clinton, Wethersfield, and Willimantic were recognized by the public as being among the top ten towns in the state.

The socially-driven Connecticut still revolutionary Fan-Favorite Town program asked people to vote for the town that they think most embodies the spirit of the state's brand, Connecticut still revolutionary — a haven for original ideas and innovation that offers a dynamic blend of experiences. Participants also had the opportunity to vote for their favorite business, destination or attraction within that town. Nearly 40,000 votes were cast over a six week period.  Consumers were automatically entered to win a ZIP to ZEN getaway to Niantic, Connecticut's still revolutionary Fan-Favorite Town of 2013.

For more details on this year's Fan-Favorite Town program or imagery, as well as additional information on Connecticut events, trip ideas and exclusive deals check out www.CTvisit.com and follow Connecticut on Twitter @CTvisit.

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 Connecticut still revolutionary as 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