It's Official: Ten Finalists Named for Curacao's Half a Million Dollar Treasure Hunt
WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO – June 23, 2009 – Ten lucky North Americans will be put to the test when they compete in a real treasure hunt on the island of Curaçao in hopes of winning half a million dollars. The Curaçao Treasure Hunt will take place from August 23-25, 2009. Stretching from California to New York, and as far north as Canada, the 10 finalists, chosen at random, represent a cross-section of North America. Excited and ready to compete, the finalists include travel journalist Stephanie Oswald from Decatur, Ga., and Sue Anne Howery from Mc Farland, Wis., a prospective candidate for a kidney transplant. Oswald and Howery will be joined by: Wayne Lehman of Calgary, Canada; Michelle Salge of San Jose, Calif.; Sabrina Booi of New York, N.Y.; Ron Effa of Bellingham, Wash.; Chester Baer of Arlington, Va.; Roland Philip of Van Nuys, Calif.; Beth Eckhardt of Cleveland, Ohio and Carol Brown of Buffalo, N.Y. “After months of planning and development, we are excited to finally identify the Treasure Hunt contestants,” says Evita Nita, Executive Director, Curaçao Tourism Board (CTB). “The Hidden Treasure Campaign was designed to inform travelers about our wonderful island, often described as the Caribbean’s hidden treasure. With nearly 500,000 entries we have exceeded our expectations.” The campaign is the CTB’s unique method of providing a big financial bailout, in Curaçao style, for one North American resident who may be struggling in this financial environment, and to build awareness for this up-and-coming destination. The campaign kicked off by giving away a free vacation per day for 70 days. Those winners along with the Treasure Hunt finalists were among the nearly 500,000 entries on Curacaotreasure.com, the dedicated microsite created exclusively for the campaign. “With the state of the U.S. economy, our little island offered travelers our version of financial relief while at the same time providing them with the knowledge base to become more familiar with Curaçao,” notes Eugene Rhuggenaath, Commissioner of Tourism and Economic Affairs. For the latest Curaçao Treasure Hunt news, visit www.curacao.com. About Curaçao With its pristine dive sites, secluded beaches, championship golf and rich local cuisine, Curaçao offers a little something for everyone – from the adventure traveler to those who simply want to unwind (and enjoy its perfect climate). Curaçao boasts an eclectic mix of history and culture, welcoming visitors to this unique island paradise. To learn more about the island of Curaçao visit curacao.com and to request a FREE Curaçao information package click here or call toll free 1.800.328.7222. Media Contacts: Rachel McLennan Hill & Knowlton NY (212) 885-0597 rachel.mclennan@hillandknowlton.com -or- Andrea Thompson Hill & Knowlton SAMCOR / Miami (305) 443-5454 athompson@samcor.net
WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO – June 23, 2009 – Ten lucky North Americans will be put to the test when they compete in a real treasure hunt on the island of Curaçao in hopes of winning half a million dollars. The Curaçao Treasure Hunt will take place from August 23-25, 2009. Stretching from California to New York, and as far north as Canada, the 10 finalists, chosen at random, represent a cross-section of North America. Excited and ready to compete, the finalists include travel journalist Stephanie Oswald from Decatur, Ga., and Sue Anne Howery from Mc Farland, Wis., a prospective candidate for a kidney transplant. Oswald and Howery will be joined by: Wayne Lehman of Calgary, Canada; Michelle Salge of San Jose, Calif.; Sabrina Booi of New York, N.Y.; Ron Effa of Bellingham, Wash.; Chester Baer of Arlington, Va.; Roland Philip of Van Nuys, Calif.; Beth Eckhardt of Cleveland, Ohio and Carol Brown of Buffalo, N.Y. “After months of planning and development, we are excited to finally identify the Treasure Hunt contestants,” says Evita Nita, Executive Director, Curaçao Tourism Board (CTB). “The Hidden Treasure Campaign was designed to inform travelers about our wonderful island, often described as the Caribbean’s hidden treasure. With nearly 500,000 entries we have exceeded our expectations.” The campaign is the CTB’s unique method of providing a big financial bailout, in Curaçao style, for one North American resident who may be struggling in this financial environment, and to build awareness for this up-and-coming destination. The campaign kicked off by giving away a free vacation per day for 70 days. Those winners along with the Treasure Hunt finalists were among the nearly 500,000 entries on Curacaotreasure.com, the dedicated microsite created exclusively for the campaign. “With the state of the U.S. economy, our little island offered travelers our version of financial relief while at the same time providing them with the knowledge base to become more familiar with Curaçao,” notes Eugene Rhuggenaath, Commissioner of Tourism and Economic Affairs. For the latest Curaçao Treasure Hunt news, visit www.curacao.com. About Curaçao With its pristine dive sites, secluded beaches, championship golf and rich local cuisine, Curaçao offers a little something for everyone – from the adventure traveler to those who simply want to unwind (and enjoy its perfect climate). Curaçao boasts an eclectic mix of history and culture, welcoming visitors to this unique island paradise. To learn more about the island of Curaçao visit curacao.com and to request a FREE Curaçao information package click here or call toll free 1.800.328.7222. Media Contacts: Rachel McLennan Hill & Knowlton NY (212) 885-0597 rachel.mclennan@hillandknowlton.com -or- Andrea Thompson Hill & Knowlton SAMCOR / Miami (305) 443-5454 athompson@samcor.net
