Believe it or not, the pandemic has been good for one industry in the state - tourism. Now the state is doubling down with a splashy new ad campaign.

"The State I'm In" campaign is aimed at supporting the continued economic recovery of Connecticut's $15 billion tourism industry.

The street murals in Bridgeport are just one of the places Connecticut wants tourists to visit this winter. Others spots include Milford's Dockside Brewery and Backyard Adventure Tours in Litchfield County.

"We're just trying to change the image of Connecticut a little bit. It's fun, it's hip, it's edgy, it's diverse. And that's what you're going to see," said Gov. Ned Lamont.

These ads will run during high profile events, like New Year's Eve specials, the Super Bowl and the Academy Awards. The timing is no coincidence either. COVID-19 is keeping travelers closer to home.

The ads will run through March 31, 2022.

"We had more visitors to our state last year than ever before and many of them are staying," said Lamont.

The new campaign's television spot was produced by Connecticut creative and production firms and features local talent, Eddie Cruz, Jr. — a Newington native.

The new ad campaign also features social media videos and highway billboards. It came at a cost of $1 million out of the existing tourism budget.