Lights, Camera, Action! Charleston, SC Launches Nationwide Video Contest For Chance to Win a Family Vacation

For Immediate Release, April 2010

This year’s dream family vacation could be only a video recorder away! Charleston, S.C.’s popular Rediscover the Family Vacation contest returns this spring, inviting families to submit videos detailing why Charleston would be their ultimate getaway.

Beginning now through June 15, 2010, families can log on to http://www.charlestonvacationgiveaway.com to submit smile-generating and laugh-provoking videos, explaining why they love Charleston and what they would most look forward to about visiting if they won. Five prizes will be awarded to five families who submit the funniest, silliest or most creative videos.

Videos should be no longer than three minutes. Entries will be voted on shortly after June 15, 2010 by a panel of travel professionals. Once the winners are announced, the five winning entries will be posted to http://www.charlestonvacationgiveaway.com, where the general public will have an opportunity to review them and vote on a grand prize winner, who will additionally receive $2,000. Families are encouraged to submit soon, as the first 25 entries will receive a $50 Visa gift card to spend together as a family.

Each prize is specially themed and covers lodging, attractions, as well as one of Charleston’s main draws – dining out! The five prize packages* include a five-night hotel stay and:

• Endless Summer Famification: Stay at Kiawah Island’s oceanfront resort, The Sanctuary. Dining at Mingo Point Oyster Roast, Charleston Crab House, Sticky Fingers. Golfing for four.

• Revel in Real History: Stay at the Ansonborough Inn. Experience the Ghosts & Dungeons Walking Tour, a cruise on the Charleston Belle, a visit to Boone Hall Plantation, surf lessons.

• Urban Fork Safari: Stay at the Fulton Lane Inn. Dinner reservations at Charleston’s best: Halls Chophouse, Il Cortile Del Re, Maverick Southern Kitchens, McCrady’s, Circa 1886.

• Barrier Island Eco Trek: Stay at Wild Dunes, a 1,600 acre eco-friendly resort. Island Adventure VIP passes for kids, one-hour massage for parents, tickets to S.C. Aquarium

• Heritage and Hits: Stay at Mills House, with breakfast daily. Be the “Guests of honor” at a Riverdogs baseball game. Tour Fort Sumter. Heritage Passport to nine historic attractions.

Why Charleston for the family vacation? The area is brimming with American history and located within short distance of stunning, carefully preserved beaches. The area’s natural landscape, dotted with pink azaleas, palmetto trees and large oaks dripping with Spanish moss, provides a picturesque backdrop for making memories that will last a lifetime. Charleston’s culinary offerings, found nowhere else in the U.S., are especially memorable. Kids will not forget oyster roasts along the saltwater marshes or a breakfast of shrimp and grits on a hotel balcony overlooking sparkling waves and unspoiled beaches. Young scholars intrigued by the Civil War will find a visit to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the war were fired, awe-inspiring. Young or old, history buff or outdoor enthusiast, it’s hard to find a type who will not be captivated by the many attractions and activities that the Charleston area has to offer.

Families looking for a bit of inspiration before breaking out the video recorder can visit http://www.charlestonvacationgiveaway.com/winners_2009.html to watch the five winning video entries from 2009.

The mission of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is to unify and lead the local travel industry in marketing the Charleston area as an individual, meeting, incentive and group destination to both the domestic and international markets. For more information, visit www.explorecharleston.com

*Giveaway packages are valid for month of August, based on availability. All travel must be completed by August 31st, 2010.