SHARE THE BRIGHT SIDE OF VERMONT: A Call for Vermonters’ Photo and Video Submissions

The Vermont Foliage Force, a task force of Vermont state, business and non-profit entities working to restore Vermont fall tourism, is asking businesses and individuals to share images of their Vermont today, in real-time. The task force is requesting unedited and authentic portrayals of our towns, roadways and scenery that can be used in their fall foliage marketing campaign.

Vermonters can share their favorite leaf-peeping routes via video or upload scenic photos on www.vermontpartners.com. These images and stories will be used to share the vibrancy of our state events, resiliency and character in a See Vermont Like a Local campaign directed by the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing.

“This is an opportunity for Vermonters to serve as ambassadors of their towns, to support their neighbors and local businesses,” said Steve Cook, deputy commissioner of tourism. “True locals’ tips and authentic images illustrate that we are open for business and that, without exception, our foliage season is going to be spectacular.”  

Even in areas unaffected or quickly recovering, post-Irene reports have resulted in cancellations of tours and travel plans that have rendered tourist-dependent businesses idle. The Vermont Foliage Force is working to inform travelers that Vermont is still, and perhaps now more than ever, host to the most inspirational fall foliage experience.

With the interstates and 85 percent of the state’s roads fully open, visitors can have the authentic Vermont foliage experience that Vermont is so very proud to provide.

Visitors can support Vermont by keeping their travel plans; Vermonters can best support their state by helping communicate that we are open, the scenery is stunning as always, and yes, you can get here from there.

A prime example of businesses collaborating to share the message that Vermont is moving forward is the series of first-person accounts the Vermont Chamber has collected: http://www.youtube.com/vermontchamber.

Composed of representatives from the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, Vermont Ski Areas Association, Vermont Agency of Transportation, Vermont Department of Forest Parks and Recreation, Vermont-based communications firms HMC2 and Hen House Media and state tourism officials, the Vermont Foliage Force will use a comprehensive communications campaign to highlight the accessibility of Vermont and that most areas of Vermont are ready to provide the inspirational foliage experience the state is known for.

Contacts: 

Steve Cook, Deputy Commissioner
Vermont Department of Marketing and Tourism
(802) 828-3516 or steve.cook@state.vt.us

Jen Butson, Public Affairs Director
Ski Vermont
(802) 223-2439 or jen@skivermont.com

Jay Peak Resort Tram Photo (2010) Photo Courtesy of www.coreyhendrickson.com

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