Vermont Dept. of Tourism and Marketing Campaigns for Visitors from Washington D.C. and Philadelphia

Montpelier, Vt. (PRWEB) May 13, 2013

A group of Vermont businesses will soon host the Eighth Annual Taste of Vermont Reception in Washington, D.C., with honored guest Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) on Thursday, May 16, 2013. But for most D.C. residents, getting a glimpse of Vermont is easier -- and travel more affordable -- for the first time in nearly a decade. Thanks to state funding approved by the Vermont legislature, providing $ 230,000 to expand marketing efforts, the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM) has launched a comprehensive marketing campaign in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia; these are the first campaigns launched in these regions in nine years.

The campaign is intended to increase leisure travel to Vermont and efforts include television, retail displays, consumer events, digital advertising and a Meet the Brewers vacation contest in partnership with Long Trail Brewery, Cabot Creamery Coop and Orbitz Worldwide.

While The Taste of Vermont Reception is a limited event for federal and state government officials to meet Vermont businesspeople, were pleased to further extend an invitation for a taste of Vermont to residents of these regions via Orbitz flight deals, lodging packages and a vibrant schedule of Vermont festivals and events, VDTM Commissioner Megan Smith said. Together, the Taste of Vermont reception and VDTMs efforts to immerse these markets in Vermont sights and sounds, speak to our mission to increase both business and leisure travelers to Vermont.

More than 50 Vermont businesses will be represented at the Taste of Vermont reception, organized by the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Vermont Convention Bureau, and Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation. Representatives of Vermonts premier hotels, resorts and attractions, and more than 40 Vermont food and beverage makers will have the opportunity to meet with food buyers, writers, meeting planners and others.

Our small state produces a big variety of first-rate, top-quality products, Senator Leahy said. The Taste of Vermont is the perfect crossroads for businesses all over the state to showcase our diverse and unique economy in our nations capital. We never miss an opportunity to share Vermonts exceptional story, and the great part about this event is that tasting is believing.

Many national associations have headquarters in Washington, which makes the location especially beneficial to the representatives of Vermonts hotels and resorts attending this special event.

This event is a great opportunity for Vermont businesses and for the state as a whole, Michelle Herman, chair of the Vermont Convention Bureaus Board of Directors said. By showcasing a wide variety of what Vermont has to offer, we can get people excited about holding meetings here or buying Vermont-made products.

Vermont premier hotels, resorts and attractions will network with meeting planners who will learn more about why Vermont is such a popular four-season meeting destination. The effect of meetings and conventions on the states economy is profound, having a positive economic impact on attractions, transportation, gifts, restaurants and other area businesses.

ABOUT: The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing mission is to promote Vermonts travel, recreation, cultural and historic attractions, as well as the states goods and services, in coordination with public and private sector partners and to market to a global audience in a manner consistent with the values and traditions of the state for the economic benefit of all Vermonters. The Vermont Convention Bureau is a division of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce and partner of the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing. The VCB aims to strengthen the economic vitality of the state by promoting it as a preferred meeting and convention destination. Visit http://www.vermontmeetings.org. The Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that seeks to promote and support the healthy environment and quality of life that makes the Lake Champlain Region of Vermont the ideal place to live, work, and do business.