VisitNC.com Sweepstakes Features Vacations of a Lifetime

RALEIGH, N.C., July 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The North Carolina Division of Tourism celebrates the launch of its revamped travel planning website, VisitNC.com, with the "Beauty Amplified^SM Photo Sweepstakes," which offers travelers the opportunity to win one of three unique experiences: a behind-closed-doors tour of Biltmore, a private dinner in the home of renowned Raleigh chef Ashley Christiansen, or a dive on the wreck of Blackbeard's legendary flagship — a location so secret that the winner will be blindfolded en route.

"These vacations of a lifetime showcase the amazing experiences awaiting visitors to North Carolina," said Wit Tuttell, director of marketing for the Division, which is part of the state Department of Commerce. "Our state's beauty really comes to life in the places, the people and the stories, which add depth to the natural beauty and the connection the traveler feels. We're excited to see what our visitors consider their favorite North Carolina experiences, and to offer three lucky prizewinners trips that symbolize beauty amplified."

To enter the sweepstakes, which begins July 9 and runs through July 31, a traveler will upload a photo of North Carolina that represents "beauty amplified." A photo with 20 or more "votes" will qualify the person who entered it for a drawing to win one of three grand prizes. By having travelers encourage friends to vote, comment and share their submitted photos, the Division of Tourism is leveraging the reach of multiple social media platforms to increase awareness and interest in North Carolina and the new VisitNC.com.

The three grand prize packages, which all include a $1,000 gift card that can be used to cover transportation, feature:

• Celebrity chef dinner. Renowned chef Ashley Christensen of Poole's Diner will host dinner at her Raleigh home accompanied by Sean Lilly Wilson of the award-winning Fullsteam Brewery, which will craft a custom beer for the winner. Package also includes five-star, five-diamond lodging at The Umstead Hotel and Spa and other dining and travel experiences in the Greater Raleigh area.
• Wreck diving at the site of the Queen Anne's Revenge, Blackbeard's legendary pirate ship. The dive experience off North Carolina's Crystal Coast is being coordinated in collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources and will include area lodging, dining and attractions.
• Ultimate Biltmore Experience. The winner will choose three VIP options from among more than 10 behind-the-scenes experiences at America's largest home. The possibilities include a rooftop dinner for two accompanied by a string quartet and a horseback ride with a Vanderbilt family member. The winner will also receive Asheville-area lodging and other amenities.

Find more information and complete sweepstakes rules at VisitNC.com/beauty-amplified.

About VisitNC.com:
VisitNC.com is the North Carolina Division of Tourism's travel-planning website. The site represents all of the state's 100 counties with about 18,500 entries representing accommodations, attractions, restaurants, events, golf courses, seasonal special offers, travel professionals, and 375 local and regional destination marketing organizations. The new VisitNC.com features a dynamic look and enhanced content, and its responsive design adapts the layout to any size screen — from mobile devices to web-enabled televisions. The website is part of a brand evolution that includes the Division's "beauty amplified" tagline and custom-designed logo and typeface, which build on North Carolina's position as a place of unrivaled scenic beauty where deeper connections happen.

About North Carolina Tourism:
The North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development, part of the state Department of Commerce, serves to unify and lead the state in developing North Carolina as a major destination for leisure travel, group tours, meetings and conventions, sports events and film production. In 2012, the state welcomed 45.4 million visitors and ranked sixth nationally in visitation. With $19.4 billion in domestic visitor spending, tourism generated $1.5 billion in state and local tax revenues and directly supported 193,610 jobs for North Carolina residents.

CONTACT:

Margo Metzger
919-733-7420
[email protected]

Maureen Haley
212-444-7145
[email protected]

SOURCE North Carolina Division of Tourism