Tourism Contest Wants Your Best CT Travel Tales

HARTFORD (AP) — Connecticut is turning to residents for help with a new tourism campaign, asking them to define what sets the state apart in an effort that takes inspiration from the “I Love N.Y.” brand of the 1970s.

The first step is a contest that invites Connecticut residents to tell their favorite stories about experiences in the state. The winning story will be used to help promote a new brand to be announced in April — in time for spring and summer tourism — to establish Connecticut as a destination place.

“We want to enlist our residents as champions for a new brand as we develop it,” said Christopher “Kip” Bergstrom, deputy commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development.

Winning stories could describe the best family day in Connecticut, the most interesting character someone ever met in the state or “the spot in Connecticut where I’d like my ashes spread,” Mr Bergstrom said. He said the initiative aims to recreate some of the enormous success of the “I Love N.Y.” brand.

“We’re going to announce it in every way we can think of,” he said.

The real push will be financial as Governor Dannel P. Malloy seeks $15 million to promote Connecticut at welcome centers and in local marketing, promoting the state in TV, radio and website ads and other drives.

It’s a far cry from an earlier budget when state spending for promotion was cut to $1 by then-Gov M. Jodi Rell — enough to leave the state’s account open — to save money when the recession wrecked state finances.