Senator Jen Flanagan says new program gives district a chance to spotlight its special places

BOSTON-- Senator Jennifer L. Flanagan (D-Leominster) invites Massachusetts residents of to nominate their favorite places in Massachusetts.

1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts is a new cultural tourism program that celebrates what is unique about our state, its communities, and its people, and also to stimulate cultural tourism. The program seeks to increase visitation to the state's wide range of exceptional historic sites, cultural venues, and natural landscapes.

Nominations will be considered for a final list of 1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts to be announced in May.

"There are so many special historic sites, cultural landmarks, and natural landscapes in my district," says Senator Flanagan. "I encourage my constituents to tell their stories about what makes our favorite places great."

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) has established a website to accept nominations from the public: www.Massvacation.com/1000greatplaces

All Great Places that are nominated must be open and available to the public. Only one nomination per person will be accepted. The nomination period will close April 1, 2010. The Commission will meet later that month to draw up a final list of 1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts, which will be announced in May.

The 1,000 Great Places Commission was created by the Legislature in 2009.