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Summer tourism up significantly over 2019

Tourism in Connecticut brings in over $13 billion each year.

ROCKY HILL, Conn. — Many state parks saw increased visitors this summer over 2019, according to officials. 

He highlighted the impact of two state programs that launched this summer, including the Connecticut Summer at the Museum program, which provided children with free admission to more than 90 museums across the state, and the ParkConneCT program, which provided fare-free shuttles and enhanced transit service to certain state parks and beaches.

The governor held the press conference at the Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill.

Visitors at the park in 2021 were about doubled from 2019 numbers. 

The state has tripled its ad budget to $24 million allowing it to reach markets they weren't able to previously. Some of the funding comes from the Federal government. 

Lamont said, "We're telling tourists what makes the state special."

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According to the U.S. Travel Association, tourism in Connecticut brings in over $13 billion each year and creates $1.8 billion in tax receipts. Nearly 70,000 people are employed in tourism-related jobs.

RELATED: Summer of 2021 ranks 3rd wettest, tied for 8th hottest

Lamont and the state tourism office launched the $1.4 million “Full Color Connecticut” marketing campaign Friday. The governor said will link leaf peeping to other attractions across the state.

RELATED: Connecticut launches $1.4M fall tourism marketing campaign

Doug Stewart is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.

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