California Resident Holds Key to Curaçao’s Half a Million Dollar Treasure
WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao-(Business Wire)-August 26, 2009 - Mother of four, Michelle Salge of San Jose, Calif. is half a million dollars richer today after embarking on a two-day treasure hunt on the island of Curaçao.
“Things are pretty tough in the US with the economy; I can send my kids to college, bills will be paid…oh God is good…this is amazing,” a tearful Salge said as she addressed the hundreds who gathered to witness the event.
Salge is among ten lucky North Americans who won a chance to participate in Curaçao’s island adventure through an online sweepstakes held by the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) earlier this year.
Stretching from California to New York, and as far north as Canada, the finalists represented a cross-section of North America: Stephanie Oswald from Atlanta; Sue Anne Howery from Mc- Farland, Wis.; Wayne Lehman of Calgary, Canada; 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.
“I’m not going to lie I’m disappointed (that I didn’t win), but one of the other contestants said that this just means there is more good stuff to come for the rest of us,” said Oswald, who is no stranger to traveling as the editor in chief of TravelGirl Magazine. “All of the contestants had the right attitude. I love Curaçao and am definitely coming back.”
The Curaçao Hidden Treasure campaign was the CTB’s unique method of providing a big financial bailout 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 400,000 unique entries on Curacaotreasure.com, the dedicated microsite created exclusively for the campaign. The on-island hunt allowed the contestants to experience Curaçao’s hidden treasures, including its historic capital city and beautiful beaches, while hunting for medallions that were later exchanged for keys, one of which opened the treasure chest worth $500,000.
“The Hidden Treasure campaign was designed to inform travelers about our wonderful island, often described as the Caribbean’s hidden treasure, and Michelle’s tears of joy left us with no doubt that this campaign was a success,” said Evita Nita, Executive Director, Curaçao Tourism Board.
For the latest Curaçao 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.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6036479&lang=en
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