TRAVEL NEWS BRIEFS

Rolling Out the "Life's So Goody" Coupon Book 

The "Life's So Goody" coupon booklet is rolling off the presses. The coupon book, a first year pilot program, contains dozens of discounts and " or "two for one" coupons from various Wisconsin attractions, breweries and wineries, state parks and historic sites, Class A and Northwoods League baseball parks, Lake Michigan ferries, lodging properties, casinos and other destinations. About 150,000 copies have been printed and consumers can pick up their coupon book at any Wisconsin Travel Information Center.

Interested in participating next year? If the program is successful, a new printing is being considered for summer 2006. The Department is also weighing other options such as a "Very Important Traveler Card." In the meantime, contact Jim Bach at 608-266-1238 to be put on the list for any opportunities that might come up next year.

Revision Proposed for JEM Grant-Existing Events Rules 

Based on input from the travel industry, the Department is proposing a modification to the Joint Effort Marketing grant program. This one would extend eligibility for existing events from one to two years. The change would enable existing events seeking new markets to be eligible for two years of funding. This proposal requires modification to the Department's administrative rules, which could be in place by early 2006.

On another note, the JEM program is in line for a funding increase effective July 1, if the current budget bill passes the legislature. Governor Doyle has called for an additional $220,000 directed to the local grant program bringing the total appropriation for JEM grants from $1.13 million to $1.35 million.

On the Road with PR 101 

The Communications team brings a new - and free - service to the industry: "PR 101 On the Road." Communications staff members will come to your destination and hold a workshop that gives an overview of public relations and how to work more effectively with media. The workshop can be custom tailored for a variety of audiences. Destinations can host the workshop for their area attractions, lodging properties and hospitality businesses to help them gain the skills needed to effectively work with local media and beyond. Give Jerry Huffman a call at 608/261-8195 to find out more and to set up a workshop for your area.

Changes to Photo Library and Direct Marketing Leads Programs 

The Wisconsin Film Office closed on June 30. As a result, some services provided by Film Office staff have been redistributed or temporarily suspended. The Communications Department will assist any producers or film production companies. All inquiries and requests for the Direct Marketing Leads program should be directed to the Madison Call Center at 608-266-2161. The Department is evaluating a variety of technology solutions that will give industry partners online access to the Department's photo library. Until that time, the Department will not be able to service the photo library.

Summer Forecast Predicts Record Travel Season 

The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) is forecasting a record breaking summer, continuing the travel recovery momentum that finally started last year. Leisure travel is predicted to be up 2.3%. TIA also recently released a special travel poll examining the effect of rising travel prices on summer plans revealing that most travelers will be looking to economize. Visit www.tia.org to read more about the summer forecasts.

Upcoming Governor's Council on Tourism Meetings

• Joint Effort Marketing: August 18 at 2:00 p.m. Tourism Offices

• Meetings & Conventions Committee: August 26 from Noon - 2:00 p.m. Tourism Offices.

• Sports Marketing Committee: September 20 from 10:00 a.m. -Noon. Tourism Offices.  

• Governor's Council Meeting: September 22nd in Green Bay (location TBD).

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