Texas Tourism has announced the launch of a new television advertising campaign featuring some of the most unique and exciting places to be found in the Lone Star State.“From our miles of coastline to the deserts of West Texas, the rich cultural tapestry of South Texas and the majesty of our State Capitol, Texas offers visitors from across the state and around the world an unparalleled experience,” said Governor Rick Perry. “Once you visit Texas, you may never want to leave.”

As part of an integrated campaign that also includes print and Internet elements, the new ads capture the emotional moments and diverse experiences that await Texas visitors. The television ads will begin airing on national cable channels on February 11, 2008.  The campaign’s print and internet ads debuted in January 2008.  The effort will also target travelers from Texas’ top international markets through print and Internet advertising.

Texas Tourism also announced the introduction of Trip Planner, a new interactive planning tool on TravelTex.com, Texas Tourism’s official web site. With Trip Planner, visitors can access pre-planned itineraries that correspond to the new advertising campaign or learn about new driving tour adventures around the state. The television and print ads can be viewed on the site as visitors plan their trips.

“Texas offers a wide variety of destinations and experiences. We’ve captured these unique activities, adventures, and family fun in our new advertising campaign,” said Julie Chase, Chief Marketing Officer for Economic Development & Tourism, a division of the Office of the Governor. “With the new campaign and the online, interactive ‘Trip Planner,’ it has never been easier to plan a trip to, and through, Texas.”

Trip Planner offers three distinct areas of planning:

  * The “As Seen On” section allows visitors to explore locations featured in the new print and TV advertising campaign. “As Seen On” provides visitors with a chance to vividly experience the Lone Star State while planning their Texas vacation.
  * The “TexTrips” section provides inspiration for planning Family Fun, Big City Sights, Fresh Air, Sea and Surf, Native Sounds, Texas Canvases, or Lone Star Destinations itineraries on an interactive Texas map.
  * The enhanced “Driving Tours” section offers five driving tours, including two new routes -“Great Hikes,” which takes outdoor enthusiasts to some of the top hiking destinations in West Texas, and the “Wildlife Tour,” which shows off some of our state’s more exotic wildlife and interesting natural wonders.
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