In this section, you'll find the most important news from Ohio's tourism attractions and visitors bureaus.
Hocking Hills Launches Nation's First-Ever Visitor Vacation Video Service
Flip Ultra video cameras available for borrowing at no charge
1/13/2009
CONTACT:
Amy Weirick
(614) 848-8380
amy@WeirickCommunications.com
LOGAN, Ohio (Jan. 13, 2009) – As more and more travelers flock to social media sites to research and share the results of their travel, southeast Ohio's Hocking Hills Tourism Association is launching a groundbreaking program to make that even easier – and cheaper – for visitors.
Beginning Feb. 1, 2009 the Hocking Hills Welcome Centers will offer digital Flip Ultra video cameras for borrowing at no cost to visitors. The Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center will simply require a driver's license and a major credit card number as a deposit. Cameras are available on a first-come, first-served basis to any visitor age 21 or older who is staying at a Hocking Hills Tourism Association member lodging property. (Must present printout of email or mailed confirmation.)
Open seven days a week, the Welcome Center is ideally located at the intersection of US 33 and SR 664, just minutes from major Hocking Hills attractions, such as Old Man's Cave, Conkle's Hollow, Cedar Falls, Rock House and other favorite stops. Welcome Center Hours are 9-5, Mon.-Thurs. and Sat.; 9-7 on Fri.; and 11-5 Sun.
Using the notoriously easy-to-use Flip Ultra camcorder, travelers are encouraged to shoot video of their Hocking Hills visit, then return the camera to the Welcome Center. Hocking Hills Tourism Association staff will load the video to a YouTube site and e-mail travelers a link as soon as their video is loaded and ready to share with friends and family.
"Hocking Hills is truly one of the nation's most beautiful scenic destinations, so it's just naturally a magnificent backdrop for video and photos," said HHTA Executive Director Karen Raymore. "Whether they hiked to one of the many dazzling Hocking Hills waterfalls or flew through the air on the Hocking Hills Canopy Tour Zipline, the best way for visitors to relive that experience is through the video and images they capture. We're making that more fun and easy for them, and we're making it really simple for them to share their trip with others."
In addition to Flip Ultra camcorders that are free for borrowing, the Hocking Hills Welcome Center is staffed with knowledgeable volunteers who can help visitors plan their trip, identify and offer directions to the region's most scenic spots and help with lodging and dining reservations. Volunteers are also available via phone at 1-800-HOCKING (1-800-462-5464) to help travelers plan their Hocking Hills trip in advance.
Beyond loads of spectacular scenery, great hiking and a host of unforgettable outdoor adventures, the area offers unique shopping, a scenic zipline canopy tour, kayaking and canoeing, horseback riding, golf and many more memorable activities. With one of the nation's most comprehensive green travel certification programs, Hocking Hills also offers a wide variety of accommodations, from camping and cabins to hotels and country inns. A free visitor guide and complete lodging and attraction information is available at
www.1800Hocking.com or by calling 1-800-HOCKING (1-800-462-5464).
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