The April launch of a redesigned state tourism website for Connecticut tourism demonstrates the value that a true public-private partnership can bring to the industry. The website, ctvisit.com, is expected to receive millions of visits annually. It offers information on more than 4,000 places to visit, stay and eat in Connecticut as well as vacation deals and event listings.

All venues in the business of tourism in the state are entitled to have a free listing on the new site. Venders interested in a free listing should contact the Eastern Regional Tourism District (ERTD) rita@Mysticcountry.com or call 860-536-8822. Venues wishing to feature or enhance their presence on the site may do so for a fee by contacting the Greater Mystic Visitors Bureau (GMVB) at laura@gmvb.org or by calling 860-701-9113.

A joint GMVB/ERTD committee will oversee the use of all profits raised from the sale of advertising on the site, directing them to promote the region.

The state office of tourism deserves a great deal of credit for their inclusive approach to building this new website. The office organized a number of focus groups that brought all partners to the table to solicit ideas and recommendations. The result is a website that significantly improves the promotion of the wonderful venues worthy of visiting in Connecticut, especially in Mystic Country.

Heretofore, visitors wishing to plan a state visit had to consult a variety of websites, leading to confusion. The new website provides a “one-stop shop” for potential visitors that simplifies the task of planning a trip. It allows the visitor to focus on a particular region of interest such as Mystic Country, the center of tourism in Connecticut.

Eastern Connecticut is the proud home of the state’s largest tourist attractions. Indeed, 40 percent of the state’s tourists visit our area. This true public/private partnership is great news for the state, but even better news for Mystic Country in that it provides an opportunity for the private sector to supplement diminishing state resources in promoting the state.

The Mystic Country section of this new website is a dynamic, user friendly site enriched with great photography of the region. Take a look, your feedback is always welcome.

Tony Sheridan is president of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut and Ed Dombroskas is executive director of the Eastern Regional Tourism District.