For Immediate Release
March 27, 2012

Contact:
Ryan Smith (919) 645-2676
rsmith@visitraleigh.com

The Clock is Ticking: Countdown to the Opening of the Nature Research Center Begins

“Raleigh’s New World” highlights 24 Days of Deals and a Trip to the Amazon

Raleigh, NC -- The clock is ticking for the April 20, 24-hour opening of the Nature Research Center, a new wing of the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences. The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau is celebrating with the launch of “Raleigh’s New World.” The campaign begins today and targets the 24 days leading up to the opening of the new wing.

“Raleigh’s New World” features 24 themed discounts and deals at area restaurants, attractions and accommodations. Deals include: $24 off standard room rates at Embassy Suites Raleigh Crabtree, $24 Chef’s Tasting at Market Restaurant and a ‘24 Incredible Things to Know’ specialized tour created by Tobacco Road Tours, among many others.

The campaign is also offering the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Amazon rainforest with Nature Research Center director Dr. (Canopy) Meg Lowman, a “real-life Lorax.”

The website, www.visitRaleigh.com/newworld, also features insider information about the museum, itineraries and trip-worthy features, highlights of activities taking place the weekend of April 20, blogs and interviews with key staff and researchers as well as information on how the Nature Research Center will influence Raleigh’s position as a leader in science and technology. The site is a valuable resource when planning a trip to the opening weekend of the Nature Research Center or anytime this spring.

The Nature Research Center, the innovative, 80,000-square-foot wing of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, will bring research scientists and their work into the public eye. The goals of the Nature Research Center are to help demystify an often intimidating field of study, to better prepare science educators and students and to inspire a new generation of young scientists.

“This new campaign just adds to the excitement of the opening of the Nature Research Center,” said Denny Edwards, president and CEO of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We hope that by taking advantage of some of these incredible discounts and offers visitors will want to extend their stay to the Raleigh area by a few days to explore the new wing and all of the other great things our area has to offer.”

The 24-hour grand opening, which begins at 5:00 pm on April 20 is expected to draw more than 50,000 visitors and is being billed as the “Biggest Party Downtown Raleigh Has Seen in Years.” Activities during the 24-hour opening include concerts, citizen science projects, Global Town Halls, Trash March led by Paperhand Puppet Intervention along with tours of the Nature Research Center and SECU Daily Planet.

The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, as the official destination marketing organization of Raleigh and Wake County, accelerates sustainable growth and development by increasing visitor and convention business. Through its website, VisitRaleigh.com and other tools, the GRCVB assists local visitors in a variety of ways.

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