For more information contact: 

Valeria Davis, Wisconsin Dept. of Tourism, 608/266-2147 

Email: vdavis@travelwisconsin.com 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WISCONSIN TOURISM WEBSITE RECOGNIZED FOR OVERALL EXCELLENCE

Travelwisconsin.com earns ‘Webby’ from International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences

MADISON, Wis. (Friday, April 25, 2008) -- The Wisconsin Department of Tourism website, travelwisconsin.com, designed by Hanson Dodge Creative was recently selected by the members of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences to receive a “Webby” in the tourism category. The site was redesigned in 2006 to better meet the needs of travelers and to provide a much-needed facelift.

Of the more than 8,000 entries submitted to the 12th Annual Webby Awards, fewer than 15% were distinguished as an Official Honoree, which recognizes sites and teams that demonstrated a standard of excellence. This honor is official recognition that travelwisconsin.com was judged to be outstanding across the board among all the entries in nearly 70 categories.

Among the websites nominated are exceptional examples of visual, interactive, functional and usable design. To be selected among the best is an incredible achievement worthy of praise -- and perhaps a little bragging, according to the academy.

“The Web has transformed the travel industry in ways never thought possible even 10 years ago, so being recognized for our work in making Wisconsin travel information accessible and compelling is an honor we proudly celebrate,” said Tourism Secretary Kelli A. Trumble. “When you consider more than 1.5 million annual users log on for travel planning, it’s easy to see why we take such great care with our travelwisconsin.com site, knowing it's one of the most pivotal faces and interfaces of Wisconsin tourism.”

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