Business Tourism Issue 90 December 6th 2007

REGIONAL GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HOSTS A SERIES OF LEGISLATIVE BREAKFASTS
The District, along with the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT, Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and Mystic Coast & Country are hosting two legislative breakfasts. The first, sponsored by ShopRite of Norwich & New London, will take place on Monday, December 10 at the Hilton Mystic, with State Representative James Amann, Speaker of the House. The second, sponsored by AT&T, will be held Thursday, December 20 at the Holiday Inn, Norwich, with State Senator Donald E. Williams, President Pro Tempore.

Each breakfast is from 7:45am – 9:00am and is $12 for members or $15 for non-members. To register please call the Chamber of Commerce of ECT at 860-464-7373, or click on this link to register on line: http://www.chamberect.com/chamber_activities.htm.

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NTA LEADS HAVE BEEN SENT OUT
Mystic Country recently attended the 2007 National Tour Association Annual Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. We had 32 prescheduled appointments. Attending the convention allows us the opportunity to interact with those tour operators and travel planners to promote Mystic Country’s group travel offerings and update the tour operators on what is new in the region.

Noticeable trends expressed by tour operators were: 2-3 days stay; packaged travel; spontaneity; culinary tours and women traveling together for spa getaways, shopping getaways. The majority of the tour operators also expressed a need for itineraries that are new and updated on a regular basis. Most tour operators wanted new ideas for visiting the area and the Quiet Corner became a very popular choice as many of the groups have been to the coastal area, the country is a whole new product for them to offer.

Leads were sent out via email on December 3rd; if you did not receive them please contact Eliza Cole (ecole@mysticcountry.com, 860-444-2206) to request a copy.

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THIRD SWEEPSTAKES WINNER SELECTED
Package Donations Needed
The Eastern Regional Tourism District and Mystic Coast & Country’s 2007 Joint Marketing Campaign is comprised of direct mail, an email campaign, and online advertising, all asking consumers to register to win their ideal vacation to Eastern Connecticut and Coastal Rhode Island by logging onto our website MysticCountry.com.

To date we have had more than 8,900 people sign up for the contest. They are required to supply information about what type of accommodations they would like, what their dining preferences are and what types of attractions and entertainment they would like to experience while they are here.

Recently our agency, MMG drew the third winner, who is from Sandyston, NJ. The couple listed their preferences for an ideal trip to Mystic Country to include accommodations at a B&B or Inn, admission to historic sites and museums, fun on the farm, nature cruises, theater or music, spas and dining on seafood. The newlyweds would love to use this getaway as the honeymoon they never had a chance to take.

We are in the process of putting together this dream package; if you are interested in donating a prize that fits their preferences, please contact Eliza Cole at ecole@mysticcountry.com or 860-444-2206.

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JANICE PUTNAM OFFICIALLY JOINS THE MYSTIC COUNTRY® STAFF
Janice Putnam has officially joined the Mystic Country staff as Sales Director. She is getting settled in right now, but will be hitting the road after the holidays to explore the region and introduce herself to you and conduct site tours of your facility. If you are interested in contacting Janice she can be reached at 860-444-2206 or by email at jputnam@mysticcountry.com.

Janice was recently employed as tourism consultant for the Last Green Valley, so is very familiar with the northern part of our district. She is currently preparing to attend American Bus Association’s Marketplace and Destinations Showcase Washington DC in February. She will also be working closely with the state on NTA’s Spring Meet, which will be held at Mohegan Sun in April.

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MYSTIC COUNTRY® BUSINESSES FEATURED IN RECENT PRESS
Budget Travel Rounds Up the Best Holiday Hotel Deals

An online article, published December 3, focuses on four hotel holiday deals across the country. Making the cut was Fitch House B&B’s “Cut-Your-Own-Christmas Tree package”. The round up also includes perks offered by hotels in Georgia, New York and New Mexico. Thanks to M. Silver Associates for pitching this package for inclusion. Budget Travel Online is one of the leading travel websites for deals and discounts on holiday getaways and affordable vacations. Regular editorial includes stories on travel issues, advice on alternative travel and offbeat trips and bargain hotel stays. The website receives over 440,000 unique visitors per month. The round up was also included in Budget Travel’s e-newsletter, which is distributed to over 150,000 subscribers. Read the article at http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2007/11/30/AR2007113000861.html.

The Meeting Professional Turns the Spotlight On Connecticut
The November issue of The Meeting Professional featured the city of New London as a great spot to host a meeting. The District worked closely with the journalist on this article. The Meeting Professional is the official association magazine of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and delivers compelling professional development and career enhancing material each month to global meetings and convention industry professionals. The Meeting Professional is distributed to MPI’s 23,000 members worldwide, and the website, mpiweb.org, receives 185,000 visits from 65,000 visitors each month. Click on this link to read the full article: http://www2.mpiweb.org/cms/mpiweb/mpicontent.aspx?id=12088.

Recent Press Trip Results in New York Area Article
In October the District hosted freelance writer John Fine on a fam tour of the area. He was on assignment for Woodall’s Northeast Outdoors, but was so impressed with the region he is submitting his article to several other publications he writes for. So far we have received one that was printed in the November 22nd issue of The Epoch Times – New York Edition. 150,000 copies of this free weekly newspaper are distributed throughout the New York area, 40,000 of which are delivered to apartment and condominium buildings in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Upper East Side and Midtown. In addition the newspaper is distributed at newsstands, supermarkets, restaurants, train stations, bookstores, libraries, local businesses and community organizations. To receive a copy of the article, please contact Eliza Cole at ecole@mysticcountry.com.

Mystic Country Makes the Cover of AAA’s Journeys Magazine
In the November/December 2007 issue of AAA’s Journeys Mystic made the cut as a cover story! “Coasting Through Mystic” is a four-page article that gives the reader a nice overview of the coastline’s top attractions, including Mystic Seaport, Mystic Aquarium, Olde Mistick Village, Old Lighthouse Museum, Mashantucket Pequot Museum, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. Journeys is the official member publication for six AAA clubs, sent to over 1.5 million households in Blue Grass Kentucky, the Cincinnati area, Kansas, Miami County, Southwest Virginia and the Hartford area. You can read the full article at
http://www.aaajourneys.com/content.cfm?a=100.

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KLM’S DIRECT FLIGHT FROM AMSTERDAM BRINGS DUTCH JOURNALIST TO THE REGION
The District recently worked with M. Silver to arrange a press tour for Riekelt Pasterkamp, writer for Reformatorisch Dagblad, www.refdag.nl, a Dutch protestant newspaper founded in 1971 with a circulation of 60,000. Riekelt visited December 2 – 4 to research info for a travel story about the direct flight between Amsterdam and Connecticut and visit top attractions in the state with a focus on Hartford and Mystic.

Riekelt’s story will focus on history and family-activities in Connecticut. While he was in Mystic Country he stayed at the Whaler’s Inn in Mystic and visited Florence Griswold Museum, Mystic Aquarium, Mashantucket Pequot Museum, Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mystic Seaport. He also had a chance to dine at the famous Hard Rock Café and was hosted for dinner at the Flood Tide Restaurant at the Inn at Mystic.

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INTERNATIONAL MARKETING 101—HOW TO ATTRACT INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS TO YOUR DESTINATION
There are two great opportunities coming up, to learn about marketing to the international traveler:
• January 8th, 9th, & 10th, 2008—Presentations by Sue Norrington-Davies, Managing Director of Discover New England, throughout Connecticut.
• April 14-16, 2008—Discover New England’s 13th Annual Tourism Summit & International Marketplace at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale.

Sue Norrington-Davies, new Managing Director of Discover New England, will be in Connecticut January 8-10, 2008 making presentations in a number of locations across the state, so don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn how international travelers from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany and France will stay longer and spend more money than the average domestic visitor in your area.

Mark Your Calendars! January 8th, 2008, from 9:30-11:30am at the Holiday Inn Norwich, is your opportunity to learn how to increase international visitation to your Hotel, Inn, B&B, Attraction, Chamber of Commerce, Museum, Transportation Company or other Tourist Destination.

Sue’s presentation will also focus on the upcoming opportunity to actually meet and do business with international tour operators at the 13th Annual Discover New England Tourism Summit & International Marketplace to be held April 14-16, 2008 at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale in New Haven, CT. This is your chance to join over 250 of your tourism colleagues from New England at a three day event that will not only give you the opportunity to do business with the VIP tour operators from Europe, but you’ll have the chance to attend seminars detailing current trends in the British, Irish, and German markets, and learn how to attract these visitors to your business. Please visit http://www.discovernewengland.org/summit.html for additional details about the event.

Right now with the US Dollar very weak against the British Pound and the Euro, traveling to New England is a great deal for international visitors, and they are very interested in seeing our eclectic, historic, and beautiful region.

Discover New England is the official regional marketing alliance led by the Directors of Tourism of the six New England state tourism offices with the mission to increase domestic and international travel and tourism thereby strengthening the economic vitality of New England.

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CREW OF “RELATIVITY” SEEKS LOCATION IN MYSTIC COUNTRY®
Walden Media is currently in pre-production of the upcoming feature film “Relativity,” which will be filming in the Connecticut area beginning in March 2008. The story revolves around the Ferguson family and is set on the eve of their 35th wedding anniversary. The Ferguson’s bring their children together to let them in on a big secret that send shockwaves through the household and sets off a series of hilarious and moving events. By the time the tumultuous day is through, every Ferguson will have learned that when it comes to family it’s all relative.

The crew is currently scouting houses, which ideally have the following elements:
• Large front yard and backyard
• Large room (living, dining, kitchen, bedrooms, and attic)
• Available for film for approximately three months

If you are interested in having your used as a filming location, please contact Ronnie Kupferwasser at (917) 302-4118. If your house is selected, a location fee and insurance will be provided to you. This production is registered with the Film Division of the CCT and the CT Film Center.

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MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS MAGAZINE RECOGNIZES FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO AS “A CUT ABOVE PERFECTION”
Congratulations to Foxwoods Resort Casino for receiving Meetings & Conventions Magazine’s 2007 Gold Key Award. This year Meetings & Conventions is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the prestigious Gold Key award. This award is given annually to the finest meeting properties in the world. Winners are selected by subscribers to Meetings & Conventions based on seven criteria: overall attitude of staff, quality of meeting rooms, availability and quality of guest services, quality of food and beverage services, proficiency and ease of handling reservations, availability of audiovisual and other technical/support equipment, and possible range of recreational facilities.

This is the first time Foxwoods has received this recognition.

In addition to Foxwoods Gold Key Award, Hartford CVB received its third Gold Service Award, which is granted to CVB’s that have demonstrated professionalism and dedication in their service to meeting planners from around the world.

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GET YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING DONE IN MYSTIC COUNTRY®
Several Mystic Country businesses are offering specials discounts or events to make your holiday shopping easier, more affordable and entertaining. Here is a list of some of the offers, log onto www.mysticcountry.com to find more holiday events and promotions.

“Sea Everything” Holiday Present, Throughout December
Purchase an adult ticket to either Mystic Seaport or Mystic Aquarium in December 2007 and get a voucher for one free youth admission to see the other of these two attractions in 2008. A great way to Sea Everything in Mystic, CT. Get all the details at www.mystic.org/holidaygift.

Desperate Husbands Promotion, Throughout December
Ladies (and gents), get what you REALLY want this year... let us help with our "DESPERATE HUSBANDS" promotion. Simply come in, fill out your WISH LIST, and leave it with us. Then send your significant other in to shop, either during our regular hours or our Special Evening hours (see below). And don't forget our festive gift-wrapping is always complimentary!
Location: Celebrations Gallery & Shoppes, 330 Route 169, Pomfret
Hours: Open Wednesday – Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm
For More Info: 860-928-5492, www.celebrationsshoppes.com

Holiday Gifts & Fun at the Dinosaur Place, Throughout December
The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art is offering “Strike it Rich Weekends with Toy for Tots” – kids can pan for gold for free, with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy (valid on weekends only). When you shop for gifts at Nature’s Art through December 31st you will receive free Monty Moolah (spend $40, get $5 in Monty Moolah, spend $75, get $10 in Monty Moolah), redeemable at a future purchase during the month of January.
Location: The Dinosaur Place, 1650 Route 185, Montville
Hours: Daily 10am – 6pm
For More Info: 860-443-4367, www.thedinosaurplace.com

Festival of Lights at Olde Mistick Village, December 7
More than 4,000 luminaria light the walkways of Olde Mistick Village. Outdoor entertainment and refreshments in the Meeting House.
Location: Olde Mistick Village
Hours: Dusk to 9:30pm
For More Info: 860-536-4941, www.oldemistickvillage.com

Mystic Holiday Magic, December 8
Visit Historic Downtown Mystic to experience some Mystic Holiday Magic! The entire downtown area will be decorated with festive greenery and the rooftops will be outlined with twinkling white lights. Participating merchants will be offering special discounts, promotions, and events, as well as conducting in-store drawings for raffle items to be given away. The entertainment will extend into the street, where Santa visits Mystic Holiday Magic just in time to check off his shopping list and strolling carolers will fill the air with holiday tunes.
Location: Historic Downtown Mystic
Hours: All Day
For More Info 860-572-9578

"Shopper's Tea", December 8 & 9
Gather a minimum of 10 friends & be our guests for a festive complimentary tea & treats. Available before, during, or after your holiday shopping at Celebrations!
Reservations required for min. 10 people.
For your group's one-hour reservation, contact Jean at 860-928-5492 or jean@celebrationsshoppes.com
Location: Celebrations Gallery & Shoppes, 330 Route 169, Pomfret
Hours: Various, call for reservations
For More Info: 860-928-5492, www.celebrationsshoppes.com

Six Paca Farm Holiday Men's Nights, December 13 & 20
We understand how hard it is to buy the gift that your girl will appreciate and love for years to come.
Six Paca Farm has a boutique with alpaca products to make anyone happy. On the two Thursday evenings before Christmas we set aside time just for you. We will help you shop for that someone special. Bring her favorite shirt and we will help you with her size. We are stacked to the rafters with lovely alpaca products such as sweaters, socks, scarves, hats, shawls, blankets, bears, natural and dyed alpaca yarns Heirloom quality rugs. We will provide Gift Wrapping and refreshments.
Location: Six Paca Farm Boutique, 44 Bozrah St (back of house), Bozrah
Hours: Two Thursday nights before Christmas
For More Info: 860-501-0265, www.sixpaca.com

"Shop, Sip & Snack!" Holiday Shopping, December 13 & 20
Join us for evening holiday shopping hours, including complimentary tastes, treats and tipples (drinks) to make your shopping even more fun. Choose gifts in all price ranges from our wide selection of original artwork, handmade jewelry, gourmet chocolate, gifts for tea lovers and more. And our festive gift-wrapping is always complimentary!
Location: Celebrations Gallery & Shoppes, 330 Route 169, Pomfret
Hours: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
For More Info: 860-928-5492, www.celebrationsshoppes.com

Foxwoods Annual Holiday Marketplace and Gingerbread Display, Now – Dec. 24
Guests of Foxwoods can warm their spirits in holiday cheer beginning on November 23 with the unveiling of the highly anticipated 24-foot high Gingerbread Display and continuing through December 24 with the Holiday Marketplace, feature a variety of in-store vendor demonstrations, giveaways, and raffles including an array of designer hand bags, designer jewelry sets, stocking stuffers and the chance to win four tickets to a Boston Celtics Game. The property’s 20 retail outlets will remain open until midnight every day from December 1 through December 24.
Location: Foxwoods Resort Casino, Route 2, Mashantucket
Hours: Shops open daily until 12:00am
For More Info: 1-800-FOXWOODS, www.foxwoods.com

Holiday Fine Art Show At Mystic Arts Center, Now through Dec. 27
Holiday Fine Art Show and Artisan Guild Sale of finely crafted artisan products.
Location: Mystic Arts Center, Water Street, Mystic
Hours: Open daily from 11:00am – 5:00pm
For More Info: 860-536-7601, www.mysticarts.org

"Deck The Walls" at Lyme Art Association, Now through Jan. 8
More than 200 original works of art are presented and priced to sell as holiday gifts including handmade holiday decorative items, mini-painted canvasses, ornaments, gift tags, wreaths, cards, and more.
Location: Lyme Art Association, 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm – 5:00pm
For More Info: 860-434-7802, www.lymeartassociation.org