Tourism Up In State This Year

HARTFORD (AP) –– Connecticut’s little attractions helped draw more tourists this year than in 2002.

Out-of-state visitors spent $366 million in 2003, up 18 percent over last year, according to a study of inquiries to the tourism division of the Connecticut Commission on Arts, Tourism, Culture, History, and Film. Visitors also made more frequent return trips to the state.

Attendance was down at many traditional attractions in Connecticut, said Ed Dombroskas, executive director of the state’s tourism division. But short getaways appeared to increase, he said.

“What we think we’re seeing is part of a national trend toward exploring small towns and rural places,” Mr Dombroskas said.

State tourism officials hope to capitalize on that, focusing visitors’ attention on museums, historic homes, cultural events, theme parks, and casinos with dining, shopping and lodging.

Tourism is a lucrative business, spinning off $51 for every $1 spent by the state to market Connecticut, Mr Dombroskas said.

The two Indian casinos in eastern Connecticut and the Mystic area helped to bring in visitors, said Steven Gardiner, president of the Connecticut Lodging Association.

“All regions throughout the state have seen an increase in tourism, but more heavily in the southeastern part of the state,” he said.

Several indicators pointed up. Internet inquiries to the state’s website rose to 1.5 million hits, a 14 percent increase since 2002.

And about 78 percent of New York visitors spent at least one night in Connecticut this year, an increase from 72 percent in 2002. Half of the visitors spent two or more nights on each trip.

The good news for Connecticut tourism contrasts with national numbers.

Tourism in the United States was flat for the year, the Travel Industry Association said. The trade group cited the US-led war in Iraq, SARS, bad weather, and job losses.

The travel industry group said Americans are economizing by traveling by car, staying close to home, or making short getaway trips of three nights or fewer.

Tourists also are visiting smaller, more rural towns, the tourism trade group reported.