November News From The Connecticut Office Of Tourism

Increasing Our Regional Outreach

Regional tourism marketing outreach continues to play a key role in maintaining close communications with our tourism and cultural partners, including tourism’s destination leaders. To that end, the Office of Tourism is launching efforts to meet with constituents, organizations, Chambers of Commerce, associations and independent business owners to strengthen, leverage and support the industry’s promotional efforts. 

As part of this outreach, we will be convening Listening Tours throughout the state beginning the week of Nov. 14th through December. Watch for a separate e-blast with dates/locations. Everyone is encouraged to attend and participate, and we appreciate your feedback and ideas on building new partnerships to grow tourism all across Connecticut. To RSVP, please contact Jennifer Haag at Jennifer.haag@ct.gov. See below for currently scheduled dates:

November 14 at 9-10:30 a.m. Danbury Chamber of Commerce

November 14 at 1-2:30 p.m. Northwest Chamber of Commerce, Torrington

November 16 at 9-10:30 a.m. Mark Twain Museum Auditorium, Hartford

November 17 at 10-11:30 a.m. City of Norwalk at City Hall

November 17 at 2-3:30 p.m. City of Milford at City Hall

November 29 at 9-10:15 a.m. Quinebaug Valley Community College, Danielson

November 30 at 9-10:30 a.m. Powder Ridge’s Fire at the Ridge Tavern, Middlefield

Making a Big Impression at the Big E

This year’s Big E was a record-breaking success. Not only did 1.4 million people attend the 17-day event, but over 1 million visitors are estimated to have visited the Connecticut Building, where they were welcomed by over 60 companies, from LEGO and PEZ to Fascia’s Chocolates and Hartford Prints, as well as businesses selling artisan crafts, agricultural products and even BBQ. 

Of course, Connecticut’s Beer Garden was a huge hit, with 12 breweries pouring their specialty craft beers daily. Opportunities to become a vendor in the Connecticut Building for the 2017 Big E event will be offered in early 2017.

Heading Back to Boot Camp

Representatives of the Office of Tourism recently attended the 2016 Tourism Marketing Boot Camp, co-hosted by the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce and Miranda Creative, where breakout sessions included great refreshers on creating and using effective marketing tools, from traditional to digital. 

Randy Fiveash served as one of the panel members, and Jean Hebert presented easy-to-use features that can help you make the most of the state’s tourism website, CTvisit.com. Not on the site yet? To get your free listing, contact Jean at jean.hebert@ct.gov.

Left to right: Randy Fiveash, Senator Paul Formica, Tony Sheridan, Maria Miranda, Ed Dombroskas, First Selectman Rob Simmons

Talking Small Business Tourism in Suffield 

The Connecticut Office of Tourism was recently invited by State Representative Tami Zawistowksi to conduct a Small Business Tourism Workshop in Suffield. Together, we discussed issues and challenges facing businesses and cultural organizations in North Central Connecticut. Interested in finding or scheduling a marketing workshop? Contact Rosemary Bove at rosemary.bove@ct.gov.  

Left to right: Representative Zawistowski; Randy Fiveash, State Office of Tourism Director; Jean Hebert, State Office of Tourism; Lorraine Erickson Mancini of Lily House B&B and owner of A Basketful of Connecticut; Patrick McMahon, Suffield Economic & Community Development Director; Rob Damroth, State Office of Tourism.

Playing Host for Aer Lingus

To celebrate the Aer Lingus inaugural flight from Dublin to Bradley International Airport on September 28, the Office of Tourism conducted a three-day press trip for nine members of the UK and Irish press. The group was escorted to a variety of attractions, restaurants and accommodations throughout the state, and they were impressed with what Connecticut has to offer business and leisure travelers. 

The State also hosted a FAM tour for 10 Ireland-based corporate travel agents, October 3-6, with the focus on attractions and lodging in Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, New London and Hartford Counties.

Success on CTvisit

We didn’t want to let summer 2016 go by without a mention of some of the great news about CTvisit.com.

Overall traffic is up 79%, and mobile traffic to the site has more than doubled (+60%) since last year. Partner listing page views were up 218% over 2015, with 40% of partner listing visits resulting in a click through (or a phone call, or email) to the partner website.

That’s why it’s more important than ever to keep your listing up-to-date and as visible as possible! For tips, or to add your free listing, contact Jean Hebert at jean.hebert@ct.gov.

Getting Ready for the Holidays & Winter!

CTvisit.com  |  CultureandTourism.org