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[whytemyke]

Billboards urge tourists to visit Alaska 'B4UDIE'

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- A new billboard campaign is reminding would-be tourists that someday it really could be too late to visit the northern frontier.

The billboards in Seattle, Washington; Los Angeles, California; and Minneapolis, Minnesota, proclaim "Alaska B4UDIE" -- or Alaska, before you die.

The Alaska Travel Industry Association launched the monthlong, $180,000 campaign Monday.

"People say time after time that Alaska is on the list of places they want to go," said association spokesman Dave Worrell. "We want to get people thinking about Alaska now rather than later."

The campaign uses a simple 14-foot-by-48-foot sign, and the slogan is written on the state's classic license plate -- blue letters against a bold yellow background.

"In 17 years of marketing Alaska tourism, this is the first time we're not featuring wildlife or Alaska scenery," said Debbie Reinwand, with Bradley Reid & Associates, an Anchorage-based ad firm working with the nonprofit association.

"This is edgy. We want people to have that 'ah-ha' moment, like in, 'Ah-ha, I do need to go there."'

Many daredevils are attracted to the state for such death-defying thrills as mountain climbing or extreme backcountry skiing, but organizers don't equate such activities with the new travel theme.

"'Before you die' is such a common theme today that it's not morbid," Worrell said. "We certainly don't mean it that way. If anything, it's more in a fun spirit."

Beside posting its message on signs, the travel group also has set up a Web site offering trip planning links.

The nonprofit association is funded by the travel industry and the state. It represents more than 1,000 travel-related businesses.

Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

The billboard looks like this:



Across the street?

 

[Ferrio]

Ya don't fall for it's bullshit.

No seriously, it's a neat place to visit (well parts of it)... you don't wanna live here....

 

[MrPing1000]

VOTE OR DIE


:lol

 

[GDJustin]

Across the street?

XD

 

[moist]

Ya don't fall for it's bullshit.

No seriously, it's a neat place to visit (well parts of it)... you don't wanna live here....

Fairbanks blows, Anchorage isn't that bad though....... Alyeska is the win.

 

[DarienA]

I love that I see what you did there Owl.. :lol

 

[Manabanana]

Holy hell, I need to see one of these. I need to know where they are in Minneapolis.

 

[lovelyarsenic]

i live in alaska. i don't think it sucks. sure it's got its touristy shit, but so does every other place you visit these days...the northern lights rock and snowboarding off my roof when i was younger was the shite :lol i spose you just have to have the right mindset to live here.

 

[Pochacco]

What does Alaska have that a place like British Columbia doesn't? (seriously)

 

[Sullichin]

VOTE OR DIE


:lol

Shake them titties when you vote bitch !

 

[Aruarian Reflection]

I went last summer via a cruise. The glaciers are really awesome, but otherwise, I just pigged out on cruise food

 

[captainbiotch]

What does Alaska have that a place like British Columbia doesn't? (seriously)

Alaska is like British Columbia Xtreme.

 

[whytemyke]

What does Alaska have that a place like British Columbia doesn't? (seriously)

uh... the US Dollar and Americans.

 

[moist]

And PFD's


Thank you Alaska for giving me $845 bucks for being a resident this year.

 

[Incognito]

What does Alaska have that a place like British Columbia doesn't? (seriously)

god fearing troglodytes?

 

[temp]

Who cares about going to Alaska?

 

[ManDudeChild]

Alaska is like British Columbia Xtreme.

... are you saying that BC isn't XXXtreme enough?!1