Secondary: Beverly Hurley, Kansas Travel Media Representative
913-451-9023; hurleypr@kcnet.com

For Immediate Release

THIS SUMMER TRAVEL KANSAS, TAKE PICTURES, AND WIN BIG!
Enter the Kansas Mega Gigantic Getaway Giveaway

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today that another exciting summer is in store for Kansas travelers. Following the success of last year’s in-state promotion, the Commerce Travel and Tourism Division is again hosting a travel giveaway. The 2005 Kansas Mega Gigantic Getaway Giveaway promises to be even bigger with monthly travel prizes and a variety of grand prizes. It’s easy to play…simply travel Kansas, take pictures, and win big!

“With gas prices so high, this is a perfect opportunity to discover, or re-discover your own backyard and take in all of the great attractions and events Kansas has to offer,” said Travel and Tourism Director Becky Blake. “While out exploring, be sure to take pictures and enter the giveaway to win one of many wonderful prizes!”

The Giveaway will run through October 31, 2005. To enter travelers must visit a Kansas attraction or event listed in the 2005 Kansas Getaway Guide or on www.TravelKS.com that is at least 100 miles from their home.

“We want to see people having a good time traveling Kansas, so take pictures of yourself, your family, or friends enjoying that attraction or event,” said Blake. “It must be recognizable. Submit your favorite trip photo with an official entry form either online or by mail.”

A noticeable difference this year is the many chances to win and the variety of prizes. Monthly prizes include a weekend passport good for lodging, meals, and admission to local festivals and attractions across the state. The grand prizes include travel-related items such as camping gear from Coleman, a portable DVD player for the car, a digital camera, a GPS unit, a 4-piece luggage set, Bushnell binoculars, a canoe, and mountain bike just to name a few. Other prizes include a big family fun weekend at Great Wolf Lodge and the Kansas Speedway, as well as multiple day getaways along I-35 and to the Cattle Towns of Kansas. The “As big as you think” grand prize is a 42-inch, high definition plasma TV.

“I would encourage everyone to pick up a Kansas travel guide and visit the website at TravelKS.com,” said Blake. “All the details on the promotion are listed on the website as are all the great prizes that folks can win.”

Entries must be submitted online or postmarked by October 31 to be eligible. Anyone who wins a monthly prize is still eligible for the grand prizes. It is not a photography contest, but select photos will be featured on the Giveaway’s web site. Winners will be selected by random drawing.

For entry details and a complete list of prizes, visit www.TravelKS.com and click on “Getaway Giveaway.” To receive a FREE 2005 Kansas Getaway Guide visit www.TravelKS.com or call
1-800-2KANSAS ext. B-MG-0504.

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