SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Take a fresh, new look at the beauty and diversity of the Golden State -- and the California lifestyle -- in the newly redesigned 2008 California Official State Visitor's Guide and Travel Planner. The annual guide includes an expanded "inspiration" section, which incorporates large, compelling photos to illustrate more than a dozen feature articles showcasing the California experience. Produced by the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC), and distributed around the world, the entire guide is designed to connect with visitors on an emotional level, motivating them to plan a trip to California.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071227/AQTH035)

Published by Sunset magazine, the publication features a cover shot of culinary entrepreneur, designer and vintner Pat Kuleto at Kuleto Estate, his Napa Valley winery, as well as 47 new maps and itineraries to assist consumers with their planning purposes. Features include the California inside scoop about dining and shopping hotspots in Los Angeles' dynamic ethnic neighborhoods, along with articles on how to live like a Californian whether hitting the surf, biking a mountain, heading to Disneyland, touring wine country, or dining at an elegant restaurant.

"The Official State Visitor's Guide is a must-have in any travel planner's library," Executive Director Caroline Beteta of the CTTC said. "This year's guide has been revamped to better tie into the CTTC Web site, http://www.visitcalifornia.com/, through the use of keywords that send the user to expanded or related content."

The California Official State Visitor's Guide and Travel Planner also includes the much bigger -- and more detailed -- pullout 2008 California Official State Map, which is now split between Northern and Southern California, a new design element this year. The map features six new themed trip ideas, such as romance, family fun and indulgence, to help travelers navigate through the state, as well as nine "must see" attractions and locations.

Both the map and guide are free and available January 1 at California Welcome Centers(SM) or by ordering directly from the CTTC at 1-877- CALIFORNIA. The guide and map will also be available digitally at http://www.visitcalifornia.com/. The digital technology, provided by NxtBook, allows users to turn pages, search, make notes, and will include click-throughs to advertisers' Web sites. The CTTC has also provided a new, convenient ordering interface on the site so users can now order single and/or bulk versions of the piece.

The CTTC is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs -- in partnership with the state's travel industry -- that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to the CTTC, travel and tourism expenditures total $93.8 billion annually in California, support jobs for 929,000 Californians and generate $5.6 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about the CTTC and for a free California vacation packet, go to http://www.visitcalifornia.com/.

CONTACT: Jennifer Jasper of California Travel and Tourism Commission,
+1-916-319-5428; or Christine Pierson of Edelman PR, +1-916-442-2331, for
California Travel and Tourism Commission

Web site: http://www.visitcalifornia.com/