What state tourism offices do and how to reach them
Every state runs a tourism office that publishes maps, guides, and event calendars for visitors. These offices are usually part of the state's economic development or commerce department, not a separate agency. You can reach yours by searching "[your state] tourism" or "[your state] travel guide" — the official site will appear first, and it will have a phone number and mailing address.
State tourism offices send printed materials by mail at no cost. They maintain databases of lodging, restaurants, attractions, and seasonal events. Many also run a visitor hotline where you can ask questions about specific regions or activities. The office cannot book your hotel or restaurant reservation, but staff can tell you what exists in an area and point you toward booking sites.
These offices exist because tourism brings tax revenue to the state. That means they want to help you plan — they have no reason to hide information or steer you wrong. The trade-off is that they promote their own state, so you will see more about popular destinations than about lesser-known ones.
Key Takeaways
- Every state tourism office publishes free printed guides and maintains a website with maps, event listings, and lodging directories.
- You can request materials by phone, mail, or their website, and most offices mail guides within one to two weeks at no cost.
- State tourism staff can answer questions about specific regions, seasons, and activities, but they do not make reservations or book accommodations.
- The official state tourism website is the fastest way to find current event dates, seasonal closures, and regional information before you call.
How to request printed guides and maps
Most state tourism offices have a form on their website where you can request a visitor guide by mail. You enter your mailing address and choose which regions or topics interest you — beaches, mountains, wine country, family activities, or seasonal events. The office then mails the materials to you, usually within five to ten business days.
If the website does not have an online form, call the main tourism number and ask for the visitor information line. Staff will take your address over the phone and mail the same materials. Some offices also accept requests by postcard or email, though mail and phone are the most reliable routes.
Guides typically include a state map, lodging listings with phone numbers and websites, restaurant categories by region, and a calendar of major events for the year. Many also include discount coupons for attractions. The guides are free because the state funds the office through tourism tax revenue — the cost is built into hotel and restaurant taxes visitors already pay.
Using the state tourism website to plan your trip
The official state tourism website is usually the fastest way to find current information. Search "[your state] tourism" or "[your state] travel" and look for a .gov or official state domain. The site will have a searchable lodging database, event calendar, and regional guides you can read online without waiting for mail.
Most state tourism sites let you filter by region, activity type, and season. You can search for "hiking near [city]" or "family-friendly restaurants" and get results with addresses, phone numbers, and links to individual business websites. Event calendars show festivals, concerts, and seasonal attractions with dates and locations.
The website also lists visitor centers by region — physical locations where you can walk in and pick up maps and brochures in person. If you are already traveling in the state, a regional visitor center is often faster than calling the main office. Many are located near major highways or in downtown areas of larger cities.
What information state tourism offices can and cannot provide
State tourism offices maintain directories of businesses — hotels, restaurants, attractions, tour operators — but they do not make reservations or book accommodations for you. They can tell you that a hotel exists, give you its phone number and website, and describe what the area offers, but you must contact the business directly to reserve a room or table.
Staff can answer questions about weather, road conditions, seasonal closures, and local events. They know which attractions are open year-round and which close in winter. They can tell you whether a region is crowded during a particular season and suggest quieter alternatives. They cannot predict whether a specific restaurant will have availability on a date you choose.
If you have a complaint about a business or a problem during your visit, the tourism office is not the right contact — they promote businesses but do not regulate them. For complaints about hotels, restaurants, or attractions, contact your state's consumer protection office or the Better Business Bureau.
Regional visitor centers and what they offer
Most states operate regional visitor centers in addition to the main office. These are physical locations, usually near major highways or in city centers, where you can stop in person to pick up maps, brochures, and event calendars. Staff at regional centers answer questions about nearby attractions, lodging, and dining.
Regional centers are most useful if you are already traveling in the state and need when ready information. You can walk in, ask about restaurants or activities in the area, and leave with printed materials in minutes. Many centers also have restrooms and parking, making them a natural stop on a road trip.
Hours vary by location and season. Some centers are open year-round during business hours; others close in winter or operate reduced hours. The main state tourism website lists all regional centers with addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Calling ahead is wise if you are traveling in winter or planning to visit on a weekend.
How to find tourism information for specific regions within your state
Large states often have regional tourism organizations in addition to the state office. These are usually nonprofit groups that focus on a specific area — a mountain region, a coastal area, a wine country, or a city. Searching "[region name] tourism" or "[city name] convention bureau" will find these local organizations.
Regional tourism organizations often have more detailed information about their area than the state office does. They know local restaurants, smaller attractions, and seasonal events that may not appear in the state guide. They can also tell you about less-crowded alternatives to major tourist destinations.
Many cities with significant tourism also run a convention and visitors bureau (CVB). These organizations focus on attracting conferences and large events but also serve individual travelers. They maintain detailed lodging and dining databases and can answer specific questions about what to do in that city. Search "[city name] convention and visitors bureau" or "[city name] CVB" to find the contact information.
Contacting your state tourism office by phone, mail, or email
The fastest way to reach a state tourism office is by phone. The main number appears on the official state tourism website. Call during business hours — usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays — and ask for the visitor information line. Staff will answer questions about regions, events, and lodging, and can mail materials to you if you provide an address.
If you prefer to request materials by mail, the state tourism office address is on the website. Write a postcard or letter with your mailing address and describe what regions or topics interest you. Include your phone number in case staff need to clarify your request. Mail typically takes one to two weeks to arrive.
Email is available on most state tourism websites, but response times vary. Phone and mail are more reliable if you need information quickly. Email works well if you have a specific question that does not require an when ready answer, such as asking for historical information about a region or requesting materials for a trip planned several months ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for printed guides and maps from the state tourism office?
No. State tourism offices send guides and maps by mail at no cost. The office is funded through tourism tax revenue, so the materials are free to anyone who requests them. Some offices may ask you to cover postage if you request a very large quantity, but standard requests are fully free.
How long does it take to receive materials by mail?
Most state tourism offices mail materials within five to ten business days of receiving your request. Delivery time depends on your location and the postal service, but you should receive materials within two to three weeks of placing your request. If you need information faster, check the state tourism website instead — most current information is available online when ready.
Can the state tourism office make a hotel reservation for me?
No. The tourism office can tell you which hotels exist in an area, provide their phone numbers and websites, and describe the region, but you must contact the hotel directly to reserve a room. The office maintains directories but does not handle bookings.
What if I cannot find the state tourism office website?
Search "[your state] tourism" or "[your state] travel guide" in any search engine. The official state website will appear first. If you still cannot find it, call your state's main information line — usually listed as "[state name] government" — and ask for the tourism office phone number. The operator can transfer you or provide the correct contact information.
Do regional visitor centers have the same information as the main state tourism office?
Regional centers have materials about their specific area and the state as a whole. They may not have detailed information about distant regions of the state. If you need information about a region far from the visitor center you are visiting, ask staff if they can call the main office or provide a phone number to reach them.