'Visit Bucks' Launches County Tourism Campaign

Visit Bucks County issued the following release regarding the launch of its 2012 marketing campaign:

, the official tourism promotion agency for Bucks County kicked off the 2012 peak tourism season with its popular social game and marketing campaign focused on increasing visitation from Northern New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.

Award-winning UNFORGETAWAYS social gaming campaign is back for 2012

After a successful 2011 social gaming promotion, Visit Bucks County’s award-winning contest is back for the summer of 2012. The UNFORGETAWAYS campaign, recently honored by Travel + Leisure in the first-ever ‘Social Media in Travel + Tourism’ awards (http://www.travelandleisure.com/smittys) encourages locals and visitors to interact with the tourism office and Bucks County attractions on the most popular social media platforms.

The promotion, running through Labor Day, gives participants two different entry options: online or on-site. For those who may not be in Bucks County but wish to visit, there are three ways to enter the contest online: posting a photo on Facebook, tweeting a photo on Twitter or pinning a photo on Pinterest. For those in Bucks County, there are three options for entering on-site: checking in on Foursquare, tweeting a photo or posting a photo on Facebook. Full contest details and instructions are available on Visit Bucks County’s Facebook page (http://facebook.com/VisitBucksPA) by clicking on the UNFORGETAWAYS tab.

“We’ve simplified the contest to encourage more participation and engagement from locals and visitors,” said Paul Bencivengo, director of marketing and communications for Visit Bucks County. “The social game allows us to educate a new audience who may have never visited Bucks County and generate online buzz about the region and our great tourism product.”

Bucks County Takes Over New York/Northern New Jersey Transit Lines

In June, advertisements featuring Sesame Place, Peddler’s Village, Washington Crossing Historic Park, the James A. Michener Art Museum, along with general-branded ads for Bucks County began running on the Long Island Railroad, Metro North, Staten Island Bus, PATH trains and show bills. Among other print and online placements, Bucks County ads will also be featured on Weather.com and TripAdvisor.com. Additionally, Visit Bucks County and Sesame Place wrapped the very popular double-decker sightseeing bus that circles Times Square and the surrounding areas of Manhattan.

“Conveniently located only 75 miles from New York City, we are an ideal destination for a weekend escape from the busy city,” said Jerry Lepping, executive director for Visit Bucks County. “Year over year, North Jersey and New York continue to be a great market for Bucks County.”

This year, Visit Bucks County is incorporating social media into its traditional marketing more than ever before. One text-only advertisement sits on a white background stating, “Follow @VisitBucksPA on Twitter and tell us why you’d like to #VisitBucksCounty. Who knows? We might just make your Bucks County wish come true.” The tourism office plans to monitor the #VisitBucksCounty Twitter hashtag throughout the campaign and randomly select Twitter users and surprise them with free tickets to attractions in Bucks County.

Tourism Office Unveils New Official Bucks County Destination Guide

Visit Bucks County recently launched its new Official Bucks County Destination Guide. Available at all Bucks County Visitor Centers and an array of attractions, shops and restaurants throughout the county, this 80-page guide is packed with information about all there is to see and do in Bucks County, including a pull-out map, historical timeline, editorial features and much more.

New this year, the Destination Guide is slightly smaller, the perfect size to put in a handbag or back pocket. Additionally, the guide is two-sided with the front focused on consumers and the reverse side targeted to groups and meetings.

Download the Official Bucks County Destination Guide on Visit Bucks County’s website (http://VisitBucksCounty.com)