A New York Times travel blogger announced Monday online readers had chosen Madison over several other contending cities as the next destination for his “Frugal Traveler” column.
The city received 40 percent of the total votes cast in the contest and will welcome writer Seth Kugel as he visits the city on a minimalist budget, according to the blog.
“Madison trip booked via Milwaukee and Badger Bus. When? Not telling,” Kugel said in a post on his Facebook page to announce the trip.
The “Frugal Traveler” blog follows Kugel as he travels around the world and experiences the highlights of local cultures while sticking to a limited budget.
Voters selected Madison over New Orleans, Montreal, Charleston, Nashville and Burlington by casting their votes on the New York Times’ website.
Readers of “Frugal Traveler” were also able to select Kugel’s activities during his stay. They determined he will tour Madison by bicycle, lodge exclusively at bed and breakfasts, focus on local food and drink and bring home a locally produced beer, wine or liquor as a souvenir.
Voters also indicated their preference for the most authentic Wisconsin experience by voting for Kugel to sample local beer, brats and cheese during his visit.
Judy Frankel, spokesperson for Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau, credited Madison’s win as partially influenced by a large-scale social networking push on the Bureau’s various accounts.
The Bureau used its following on Facebook and Twitter to encourage Madison and Wisconsin residents to get online and vote, she said.
Frankel was optimistic the New York Times coverage and size of Kugel’s audience would boost Madison’s visibility in the tourism industry.
“We’re honored to be mentioned along with Montreal, New Orleans and the rest,” she said. “Madison has been getting a lot of attention lately.”
She also cited the current football season, particularly the recent contest against Nebraska and ESPN’s College GameDay coverage, as examples of national attention for the city.
Frankel added the New York Times’ coverage could prove a significant step toward establishing Madison as a major tourist destination.
The rest of the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau has made increasing tourism a key goal for this year and beyond, she said.
