June 20 , 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Caryn Gresham
304-558-2200, ext. 347
cgresham@wvcommerce.org

 

WASHINGTON , DC RESIDENTS CAN “ANSWER THE CALL” FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A NEW CAMRY HYBRID

West Virginia Division of Tourism Launches Video Contest as Part of Campaign

Charleston , W.Va. – West Virginia Division of Tourism representatives announced today the launch of the West Virginia “Answer the Call” contest giving visitors to the Mountain State the opportunity to submit videos of their vacations for a chance to win a new Camry Hybrid. The contest is a part of the state Division of Tourism’s West Virginia is Calling marketing campaign.

Betty Carver, West Virginia Division of Tourism commissioner, said the goal of the campaign is to increase awareness of the Mountain State as the premier destination for a weekend escape from large urban cities such as Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. is one of West Virginia’s most important markets for tourism because of its close proximity to many of the state’s most Wild and Wonderful destinations.

“West Virginia is the perfect solution for people looking for an escape from their everyday stressful lives,” Carver said. “With time-poverty being at an all time high, we believe it is even more important than ever for people to get away and experience all the Mountain State has to offer.”

Liz Chewning, West Virginia state travel director, said, “We hope people take advantage of this exciting opportunity to both explore West Virginia and participate in this innovative contest.”

Those interested in participating in the contest can start capturing their experiences on video at any time and will be able to upload their videos to www.WVisCalling.com beginning in mid-July. Visitors to the site can also view the videos any time.

“We are looking for breathtaking views, exciting journeys, interesting dialogue and funny adventures caught on video,” Chewning explained.

During the past four years, the West Virginia Division of Tourism has created an intense marketing campaign aimed at reminding Washingtonians that their perfect weekend escape is closer than they might realize. The “Station Domination” campaign is also a part of the West Virginia is Calling campaign and is on display through June 30 at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Metro Center Station in the heart of the city. All of the signs feature www.WVisCalling.com to again drive Metro passengers and other members of the public to the Web site and the “Answer the Call” contest.

Additional contests details, including video requirements, judging criteria, prizes and travel ideas are available by visiting www.WVisCalling.com. Questions about the “Answer the Call” contest may be submitted online at contest@WVisCalling.com.

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West Virginia “Answer the Call” Contest

 - Frequently Asked Questions -

 

The West Virginia “Answer the Call” Contest is a video contest hosted by the West Virginia Division of Tourism and is a part of the West Virginia is Calling 2007 marketing campaign. West Virginia offers hundreds of great tourist destinations across the state. This summer, we want you to “Answer the Call” in West Virginia.

All you have to do is submit your video of your visit to the Mountain State. We want it all – breathtaking views, exciting journeys, interesting dialogue and funny adventures caught on tape. You could be the winner of a new Camry Hybrid (model year 2008)!

 

The grand prize winner will receive a new Camry Hybrid (model year 2008). Other exciting prizes from some of the great locations and tourism destinations in West Virginia will be given away periodically throughout the contest. Stay tuned to www.WVisCalling.com for prize announcements.

 

The contest is open to individuals 18 years of age or older who reside in the continental United States.

 

Step 1: Video your experience while vacationing in West Virginia. Scenery, wildlife, flora, historical/cultural, entertainment attractions, events or adventures that you filmed within the borders of West Virginia are eligible to win.

Step 2: Go to www.WVisCalling.com on the Web. Click on “Answer the Call” Contest. Upload your video. You are now entered in the contest. Videos will be posted to the Video Gallery once they have been approved by the West Virginia Division of Tourism.

Step 3: Tell your friends to check out your video on www.WVisCalling.com Video Gallery.

 

Anywhere!

West Virginia , Wild and Wonderful, is an escape away from the hustle and bustle of everyday busy lives. Plan a getaway to the Mountain State where there is something for everyone. Take a ride on the wild side and venture down “ America’s Best Whitewater.” Take a swing at one of the state’s many beautiful scenic golf courses. Try your luck at any of West Virginia's four gaming centers. Visit any of the state’s parks, which provide the perfect natural setting for you to create your own adventure. Check out West Virginia’s luxurious spas, resorts and bed and breakfast inns. Explore some of the many historic landmarks and battlegrounds that help make up our Appalachian culture. For more travel ideas and details to plan your visit to West Virginia, visit www.WVisCalling.com and click on Request Travel Guide or visit www.escape2wv.com.

 

Videos can be a maximum of three minutes with no more than five video entries per person. Videos should be submitted in one of the following formats: QuickTime, Windows Media or Flash.

 

First, capture your experience with a digital camcorder, digital camera or mobile device. For a camcorder or camera, connect your firewire or USB cable to the firewire or USB port on the computer. If you want to edit the video, use Windows Movie Maker or iMovie software. For some mobile devices, you can connect directly to www.WVisCalling.com from your phone. You can then upload the video to www.WVisCalling.com to be entered in the contest.

 

Visit www.WVisCalling.com. Once you have read the legal guidelines and regulations about the “Answer the Call” Contest, please ensure your video is no longer than three minutes and in the proper format. Upload your video. Be sure to complete the online form to provide your contact information and the title of the video. Incomplete entries will be disqualified.

 

Videos will be judged on West Virginia relevance, originality, energy, humor and viral effect. Videos must be shot within the boundaries of the state of West Virginia. A panel of select judges will review the videos and score each based upon the above criteria. Viral effect will be determined by the amount of views the video receives on the www.WVisCalling.com Web site.

 

All video entries must be submitted online by October 31, 2007 to be considered for the grand prize. The winner will be notified prior to the public announcement scheduled for November 2007. Only the person who enters the contest will be eligible to win the new Camry Hybrid (model year 2008). The winner will received the vehicle up to 120 days AFTER the winner is officially selected.

 

No. Video footage does not have to be current, so if you have video of your past experience in West Virginia, you are still eligible to enter the contest.

 

Video of adventures in West Virginia with family and friends are certainly welcomed, but only the name on the entry form submitted with the video to www.WVisCalling.com is eligible to win the grand prize.

 

Any video entered becomes the property of the West Virginia Division of Tourism and will not be returned to the contestant. Also, each video submitted may be used at any time and at the discretion of the West Virginia Division of Tourism for educational, informational and promotional purposes.

 

For information regarding the Contest legal guidelines and regulations, visit www.WVisCalling.com and click on “Answer the Call” Contest.

 

For additional questions pertaining to this contest, please contact us at Contest@WVisCalling.com.

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