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88 | DOING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT | 2018 2018 | DOING BUSINESS IN CONNECTICUT | 88 SPONSOR REPORT Visitors to Connecticut quickly discover what longtime locals and recent transplants already know. Connecticut is not just a great place to visit, it's an even better place to live, work and raise a family. Connecticut offers a concentration of contrasting experiences simply unmatched in any other New England state — from 250 miles of coastline to 2,000 miles of wooded trails, from leading historic sites to vibrant arts/cultural offerings, from exceptional dining and lodging options to all kinds of family-friendly adventures and attractions. No wonder tourism is big business in Connecticut. In fact, the latest independent report estimates that visitors to Connecticut generate $14.7 billion in sales for business across the state, which in turn helps drive $1.7 billion in tax revenues. And tourism activities now support more than 120,000 jobs in the state — directly employing 82,688 people in tourism businesses. What attracts all that business? Randy Fiveash, director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism, explains, "What draws tourists to Connecticut are the same things that enhance the quality of life here. People like getting off the beaten path and exploring something different. And whether you're ready for an active adventure or a leisurely escape, Connecticut enables you to experience more while traveling less." To check out all there is to see and do in Connecticut, both residents and visitors can explore the state's official tourism website: www. CTvisit.com. Nearly five million people each year visit this site to learn more about attractions, hotels and B&Bs, restaurants, upcoming events and more. And if you're a tourism-related business, you can have your own robust listing page on CTvisit.com for free — which you can populate with your own photos, videos and event info as well as automatic updates from your social media sites. Towns and cities can also easily post their own page on this site for free. To learn more about why Connecticut is such a great place to visit and to live, go to CTvisit.com. Also look for VisitConnecticut on Facebook, CTvisit on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, and ConnecticutTourism on YouTube. HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT ALL THERE IS TO SEE AND DO IN CONNECTICUT? 1. What's the longest river in New England? 2. How many state parks and forests are in Connecticut? 3. What's the largest maritime museum in the U.S.? 4. How many miles of the Appalachian Trail go through Connecticut? 5. Which two state routes are recognized as National Scenic Byways? 6. What's the oldest art museum in America? 7. What's the National Park located in Connecticut? 8. Where was the hamburger invented? 9. What percentage of Connecticut is forest? 10. In what town is arguably the best pizza in the world? A GREAT STATE TO VISIT, AN EVEN BETTER PLACE TO LIVE ANSWER KEY 1) Connecticut River, 2) 142, 3) Mystic Seaport, 4) 51, 5) Route 169 and the Merritt Parkway, 6) Wadsworth Atheneum, 7) Weir Farm, 8) Louis' Lunch, New Haven, 9) 60%, 10) New Haven!