New Westminster is readying to roll out the red carpet for a contestant on The Price is Right.
Philip Fitzpatrick lost out on a trip to British Columbia, including a six-night stay at the Inn at the Quay in New Westminster, during a Nov. 13 appearance on The Price is Right. Tourism New Westminster launched a #SearchForPhillip campaign with the goal of bringing him to town – and he’s set to arrive on Tuesday.
“He is incredibly excited about this opportunity to visit the first capital of British Columbia, especially now that he became a local celebrity,” said Gerardo Corro, executive director of Tourism New West.
Fitzpatrick lost out on an all-expenses trip on The Price is Right after over-estimating the value of the vacation – guessing it would cost $8,280US when it was only $5,280US. He’s now set to visit the city from Dec. 5 to 9.
“When we started to plan for his itinerary, we were only trying to match the prize from The Price is Right, but as this Phillip Fever kept growing, an unexpected number of local experiences and restaurants reached out to us, wanting to host Phillip for lunch or dinner,” Corro said. “At the end we were not even able to include all the experiences and attractions we wanted to, but we will make sure that Phillip and his travel companion have an awesome time.”
Tourism New West has put together a jam-packed itinerary for the Arizona man and his guest.
“Some of the main experiences they will enjoy, include a Chocolate Experience at Origins Chocolate Bar, a VIP evening at the famous Hidden Wonders Speakeasy Magic Experience, a beer tasting at the award-winning Steel & Oak Brewery, and a special tour of the Quayside presented by the Fraser River Discovery Centre,” Corro said. “And, of course, being so close to Vancouver, Phillip will also get to experience a day in Downtown Vancouver, by only having to take a 25-minute train ride from his hotel.”
Fitzpatrick’s trip to New West includes tours of the New Westminster Museum and Archives, the New Media Gallery and Irving House, a visit to River Market (where’ he’ll take in a performance by the Vancouver Circus School), a ride on the New Westminster Police Department’s Shaw 1 police boat. He’ll also have lunch with the mayor and attend Shine Bright New West’s new Snowflake Spectacular event.
Corro said New Westies are not only proud about living in a warm community in the heart of British Columbia, but also love to welcome visitors to the city with open arms.
Tourism New Westminster’s #SearchForPhillip campaign has been a “total success,” said Corro.
“Tourism New West is benefiting from this campaign in a way that nobody expected, because we have been on the news Canada wide and even in the USA for three weeks now,” he said. “Everyone has been impressed by the affordability of the hotels in New West, despite of being only a 25-minute ride from Downtown Vancouver, and having very special experiences to offer.”
Tourism New West has launched a contest to give someone else the chance to win an “experience package” like Fitzpatrick will have this week. Participants can enter for a chance to win a two-night stay at the Inn at the, two tickets to the Hidden Wonders Speakeasy Magic Experience, a $150 gift certificate for Gastronomia Italia and a $100 gift certificate to Steel & Oak Brewing Co.
“This has been so exciting and fun that we decided to keep it going and give someone else to win a trip like Phillip did,” Corro said. “So we are now inviting anyone to enter this ‘Phillip giveaway’ and come to discover what New West has to offer.”
