FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

August 31, 2001

JENNIFER BOES, 302.672.6840

The unveiling of a new marketing campaign for Delaware will be the highlight of this year"s Annual Governor's Tourism Conference and Awards, to be held Tuesday, October 30, 2001, at the Atlantic Sands Hotel and Conference Center in Rehoboth Beach, Del. A key component of the campaign will be the development of a new brand, which will define the state's strengths as a tourism destination and location for business.

The conference is hosted by the Delaware Tourism Office, a division of the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO). The campaign is being created for DEDO by Wilmington-based marketing and communications agency Reese, Tomases & Ellick, Inc. (RT&E).

John D. Wik, Director of DEDO, said, "Delaware's tourism industry is thousands of small- and medium-sized businesses that are critically important to the Delaware economy. The quality of life offerings that attract visitors -- history and culture, natural beauty, and an affordable cost of living -- also help retain and attract businesses in all sectors. The Governor's Tourism Conference is an excellent forum to present, for the first time, the brand that will come to represent the value-added proposition Delaware represents to visitors and the business community."

The brand will be incorporated into all DEDO communications, including printed tourism and business development materials and advertising.

Another high point of this year's conference will be the Governor's Tourism Awards, which will be presented by Governor Ruth Ann Minner in recognition of the tourism industry's most innovative projects and outstanding professionals.

To receive a conference registration form, call the Delaware Tourism Office at 302.672.6842 or 866.2.VISIT.DE. Registration forms must be postmarked by October 5 to qualify for the pre-conference registration fee. Sessions include:

The one-day conference will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The awards reception and dinner will be held directly following the conference. Full conference attendance is $90 per person. Conference attendance only is $60, and the awards dinner only is $40. Each additional registrant from the same organization receives $5 off conference registration. Registrations received after October 5 will be charged an additional $15.

The Delaware Tourism Office, 99 Kings Highway in Dover, Del., a division of the Delaware Economic Development Office, promotes tourism and economic growth in Delaware and works to preserve the state's cultural and natural resources. For more information, call (866) 2-VISIT-DE.