“There are so many wonderful, diverse events happening throughout Massachusetts this summer,” said Betsy Wall, executive director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism. “Massachusetts residents don’t have to travel far distances, at great expense, to experience a new and exciting culture. There’s a whole world waiting for them in their own back yard.”

“WorldFest gives us the opportunity to highlight the Commonwealth’s rich cultural heritage and offerings,” said Anita Walker, executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. “These events have been happening throughout Massachusetts for a long time and, together with MOTT, the MCC is proud to help get them the attention they deserve.”

The campaign is supported with funds appropriated by the state Legislature to promote cultural tourism in Massachusetts. The WorldFest campaign is being supported with an in-state print and online advertising campaign. Visitors to the WorldFest site can search for events by date, region or event name.

“We’re so pleased to have the Commonwealth support these great multicultural events,” said Julie McConchie executive director of the North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau. “So many of these festivals and celebrations have little funding, they benefit greatly from the state’s commitment to promoting them through WorldFest.”

About MOTT:
The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination in order to stimulate the Massachusetts economy by generating state and local tax revenues, creating jobs and supporting the growth of travel-related businesses. MOTT serves as a leader in the tourism industry, bringing together the public and private sectors to promote Massachusetts as a leisure travel destination. Tourism is an integral part of the state's economy, generating more than $887.2 million in state and local taxes and $14.2 billion in travel related expenditures. The industry supports 125,800 in-state jobs