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82 Doing Business in Connecticut | 2015 SPONSORED REPORT Connecticut Tourism: The Economic Impact of Travel O ne of the key factors that makes Connecticut such a great place to work is that it's also such an exciting place to play. More and more visitors are expe- riencing just how rewarding travel in Connecticut can be — thanks to the vitality of its many tourism-related businesses. No other state in New England offers such a complementary blend of historic and contemporary attractions, natural and cultural activities, relaxing and active adven- tures — all in such close proximity to each other. To showcase this dynamic blend of offerings, the state introduced its award-winning branding and market- ing campaign in 2012 — integrating TV, digital and outdoor advertising as well as social media and PR initiatives. With the help of this campaign, not only are more visitors becoming aware of what Connecticut has to of- fer, they're taking action. A 2014 post- advertising survey found that one out of every six of those exposed to the advertising reported visiting Connecti- cut as a result. "Tourism continues to have a significant impact on Connecticut's economy," said Governor Dannel Malloy, "driving increased visitor spending, continued job growth and substantial tax revenues." In each of these areas, the impact has been unmistakable, according to a recent Tourism Economics study. • Visitor spending. In 2013 alone, visitors to Connecticut generated $14 billion in sales for businesses across the state. • Statewide jobs. Currently tour- ism supports more than 118,000 jobs statewide — including 80,000 direct jobs. In fact, ap- proximately one out of every 20 jobs in Connecticut is now sup- ported by tourism. • Tax revenues. In 2013, visitor spending generated $1.6 billion in tax revenues, including $523 million in state taxes and $345 million in local taxes. Partnering to promote Connecticut Fueling these results is the fact that the leisure and hospitality indus- The current campaign depicts a dynamic blend of experiences — pairing the natural and cultural, historic and contemporary, and relaxing and active — so much variety, so close together.