MEDIA CONTACTS:
Danielle Johnson, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
608-266-0458; djohnson@TravelWisconsin.com
Lisa Marshall, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
608-267-3773; lmarshall@TravelWisconsin.com
MADISON, Wis. (Sept. 6, 2012) — The crimson, gold and rust hues of Wisconsin’s vibrant autumn season are just about here and the best way to pinpoint peak fall color is with the popular Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report. Launched today, the report is an easy tool for travelers to track fall foliage changes and plan a getaway in Wisconsin. New this year, users can share and tag their own fall color photos and rate photos posted by others, creating a digital community of fall color trackers. The Fall Color Report is now available on any smartphone making it more convenient for visitors when they are on the road.
The report is the state’s leading tool for travelers to track the fall color change of Wisconsin’s 16 million acres of forests over the next few weeks.
Last year, the online Fall Color Report was the third most popular page on TravelWisconsin.com and the most popular page during the fall season. The TravelWisconsin.com online tool and the weekly emailed reports launch today.
More than 100 fall color reporters provide updates in all 72 counties of the state, making the Fall Color Report the most timely and comprehensive report for fall color updates. The report is updated “virtually live,” meaning reporters from chambers of commerce, visitor bureaus, tourism organizations, and state parks and forests can update their area’s status as conditions change. At a minimum, fall color watchers update once a week.
Highlights from the report and new enhancements include:
* New! Interactive map that allows users to share and tag their photos. Users can tag the location and share photo information which will be organized in a gallery and pinned to the map for a completely interactive experience.
* New! Users have the ability to rate user submitted photos.
* Tabs for nearby events, activities, lodging and dining help users plan their fall getaway.
* Inside travel tips from the local area such as scenic drives, colorful parks and vistas, upcoming events, and other areas of interest.
* Links for local travel information.
* Travelers can subscribe to the weekly email to have a link to the report sent every Thursday, in time to make weekend plans.
* Printable version and mobile site so fall color seekers can take the report with them, or view it on their smartphone.
To assist the media who report the state’s fall colors as they change throughout the season in newscasts, weather programs, weekend features or travel sections, the Fall Color Report can be viewed in one of three ways:
1. Subscribe online here to receive the report via email every Thursday.
2. Check the report independently at TravelWisconsin.com at any time.
3. View the Fall Color Report via your mobile device.
For additional information, photography or interviews with Tourism spokespeople, please contact Danielle Johnson at djohnson@travelwisconsin.com or call 608-266-0458.
Travelers looking for year-round Wisconsin getaway ideas, travel planning, events and free guides can discover their own fun at TravelWisconsin.com . You can also choose to “Like” us at Facebook.com/TravelWisconsin or follow along on Twitter at Twitter.com/TravelWI. And don’t forget to bring all the fun Wisconsin has to offer right to your fingertips by downloading the free Travel Wisconsin™ iPhone or Android app. A social media version of this release is available with downloadable images.
