The Outlook – What’s New in Connecticut Tourism Today March 2017

Just a quick personal note to let you all know how much I appreciate your shared commitment to promoting tourism in Connecticut. As we’ve been traveling to every region of the state over the past months, I have been so impressed by the re-energized spirit of collaboration across so many different groups. It’s been absolutely terrific to see.

We also hope to see most of you at our upcoming Tourism Marketing Outreach Meetings, scheduled for April 3, 4, 5, and 6. Don’t miss the link below to find out the location of the gathering nearest you.

It’s going to continue to take all of us working together to maintain the momentum we’ve been building for our $14.7 billion tourism industry sector. I value your ongoing partnership in this effort. Thank you for all you do for Connecticut tourism!

 Six Tourism Outreach Meetings Set for April 3-6

Once again, the Office of Tourism will be meeting with tourism partners of all kinds — attractions, hotels, restaurants, towns/cities, associations — at our annual Marketing Outreach Meetings. Find out what’s new — and how you can be among the thousands of partners included in our PR, social and marketing efforts. 

Click here for the list of these free events. Then RSVP with your name, organization and the location of the meeting you’ll attend.

Don’t Miss Our Annual Tourism Conference

Registration is now open! You definitely won’t want to miss this year’s Connecticut Governor’s Conference on Tourism — the state’s largest gathering of tourism professionals from every aspect of the industry. The conference is set for Thursday, May 4, 2017 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. 

We’re also accepting nominations for the Connecticut Governor’s Tourism Awards. Get yours in asap!

Be Part of Connecticut Open House Day: June 10th

Make plans now to be part of this year’s Connecticut Open House Day, Saturday, June 10th. It’s a perfect opportunity to introduce — or reintroduce — Connecticut residents to your local attraction, hidden gem, historic destination or cultural institution. Simply brainstorm what incentive you could offer — like free admission and/or a special activity. Then submit your application for inclusion to jean.hebert@ct.gov.

You’ll also find more information at www.cultureandtourism.org.

Free Brochure Distribution Opportunity

CTM Distributors is once again offering to warehouse and disseminate tourism literature to the Welcome Centers that have brochure access. This includes the Danbury, Darien, Greenwich and North Stonington Centers.

To learn more about how to engage in this free opportunity, just let Rosemary Bove know.

Tourism Scholarship Applications Due March 30

Help us prime the talent pipeline for Connecticut tourism. The Office of Tourism is offering two Tourism Scholarships to Connecticut residents pursuing college degrees in hospitality, travel or tourism. Applications are due by March 30. For eligibility info and an application form, visit www.cultureandtourism.org.

The Office of Tourism is also inviting students to apply for non-paying internships for the spring, summer and fall semesters. It’s a great opportunity for hands-on experience in the field.

Connecticut Partners In the News

They’re definitely talking about us…thanks in part to the Office of Tourism’s active, ongoing PR outreach.  

Recently, Condé Nast Traveler called Greenwich the perfect place for urbanites to take a breather. AAA World highlighted two of the state’s favorite culinary offerings. Time Out New York featured Washington as a top winter getaway. USA Today listed Mystic as one of the most beautiful small towns in the U.S. CARA, Aer Lingus’ inflight magazine, touted the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Saybrook Point Inn & Spa, and the Mark Twain House & Museum, among other partners, just to name a few recent PR mentions.