Georgia tourism monthly e-newsletter, Aug. 2007

Georgia.org Peachbyte
August 9, 2007
In this issue...
1) GDECD LAUNCHES MONTHLY GEORGIA TOURISM INDUSTRY NEWSLETTER 2) REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2007 GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE ON TOURISM 3) GEORGIA DREAM PASS PROGRAM ENTERS NEW PHASE 4) TRAVEL LEADERS APPLAUD PRESIDENT BUSH FOR SIGNING BILL CALLED `MOST SIGNIFICANT TRAVEL REFORM SINCE 9/11' 5) TRAVEL INDUSTRY "BLUEPRINT" GAINS TRACTION IN WASHINGTON 6) TRAVEL SOUTH USA ADOPTS INTEGRATED MARKETING PLAN 7) THREE GEORGIA HOTELS RANK HIGH ON TRAVEL + LEISURE'S "TOP 100 HOTELS" 8) SOME BUSINESS TRAVELERS PREFER B&BS 9) ULTIMATE GOLF ROOM CREATED AT REYNOLDS PLANTATION 10) SEVENTY-TWO TOURISM ENTITIES AWARDED $1 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDS 11) GEORGIA DOMESTIC SALES UPDATE AND GROUP TOUR MARKET HIGHLIGHTS 12) GEORGIA CONSUMER MARKET HIGHLIGHTS AND UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES 13) NORTHWEST GEORGIA GEARING UP FOR 150TH CIVIL WAR COMMEMORATION 14) LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN VALLEY TRAIL NEW ADDITION TO GEORGIA'S CREATIVE ECONOMIES 15) NATIONAL TRAIL OF TEARS CONFERENCE COMING TO GEORGIA IN NOVEMBER 16) GDECD TO HOST BRAZILIAN GOLF MISSION 17) AUGUSTA TO HOST 2008 TRAVEL MEDIA MARKETPLACE 18) CLASSIC SOUTH TRAVEL ASSOCIATION UNVEILS NEW COLLATERAL MATERIALS 19) GEORGIA STATE PARK SYSTEM AMONG TOP 3 IN THE NATION 20) COMING TO GEORGIA: DIAL 511!
1) GDECD LAUNCHES MONTHLY GEORGIA TOURISM INDUSTRY NEWSLETTER Welcome to the all new Georgia Tourism Industry Newsletter! The new Peach Byte is a monthly communiqu to MyGeorgia tourism partners that allows the GDEcD's Tourism Division to efficiently and effectively communicate with the Georgia's tourism industry. The Peach Byte will include helpful industry information, valuable resources and news items from around the state. We hope you will benefit from the industry information and will take advantage of the opportunities provided.
We welcome your feedback and comments. Please contact us at feedback@georgia.org.
2) REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2007 GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE ON TOURISM

The 2007 Governor's Conference on Tourism will take place on September 1214, 2007 at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center. Attendees will benefit from panel discussions, educational workshops, receptions and interactive seminars focusing on ways to promote Georgia travel destinations to the state's residents and visitors.
This year, the conference will highlight "Best in Show: Showcasing tourism's best practices, ideas and trends." Attendees will have an opportunity to attend educational break-out sessions on topics including Creative Economies, Hotel Tax Reform, Hospitality Workforce, Co-Op Marketing Grants, Festivals and Fairs, Technology Marketing, Cultural and Heritage Tourism District Ordinances and more.
There's no better place to explore the multi-faceted issues that affect travel and tourism in Georgia than the Governor's Conference on Tourism. Join travel professionals from around the state to learn new ways and discover fresh resources to strengthen and build Georgia's tourism industry.
To register for Georgia Governor's Conference on Tourism, please visit www.marketgeorgia.org.
For information on sponsorship opportunities for the Georgia Governor's Conference on Tourism, contact Nerissa Serrano-Okiye via e-mail at nserrano@georgia.org or 404-9624087.
3) GEORGIA DREAM PASS PROGRAM ENTERS NEW PHASE The popular Georgia Dream Pass program is getting ready to enter a new phase. The free consumer "membership rewards" affinity program was launched in spring 2007 to enhance Georgia's top-flight golfing experience. The Georgia Dream Pass gives members access to offers and benefits that are exclusive to card holders when they sign up and visit our member locations. Now we're getting ready to bring Georgia residents and visitors a brand new level of service later this year: Attractions! For more information on Dream Pass, please be sure to visit www.gadreampass.com.
4) TRAVEL LEADERS APPLAUD PRESIDENT BUSH FOR SIGNING BILL CALLED `MOST SIGNIFICANT TRAVEL REFORM SINCE 9/11' Earlier this month, tourism industry leaders across the United States applauded President Bush for signing legislation that contains two provisions that send a more welcoming message to international visitors to the U.S., hailing it as "the most significant travel reform since 9/11."
The legislation, which addresses recommendations proposed by the 9/11 Commission, contains a provision to strengthen and expand the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This modernization of the VWP will allow more legitimate business and leisure travelers to visit the U.S. visa-free while enhancing security through an air exit tracking system, increased information sharing between nations and other controls.

The legislation also will provide a more efficient and welcoming arrival process at America's top 20 overseas inbound airports, which welcome 90 percent of all overseas arrivals to the U.S. The program would include enhanced queue management and instructional and welcome videos in the Federal Inspection Services area. In addition, the provision provides for no fewer than 200 additional U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers to help alleviate excessive wait times at these airports. For the complete press release from TIA, visit http://tia.org/pressmedia/pressrec.asp?Item=783.
5) TRAVEL INDUSTRY "BLUEPRINT" GAINS TRACTION IN WASHINGTON According to Northstar Travel Media, six months after rolling out an ambitious plan to bolster inbound tourism to the United States, the travel industry said it is moving towards achieving most of its goals. Since TIA announced the plan last February, the Discover America Partnership has made political traction in Washington with at least six bills introduced and now pending in both the House and the Senate. Examples include the Travel Act of 2007 (S. 1661) that would create a global campaign to encourage visits to key travel industry objective. A similar bill will be soon introduced in the House. For more information, visit (free subscription required) www.travelweekly.com/articles.aspx?articleid=57417.
6) TRAVEL SOUTH USA ADOPTS INTEGRATED MARKETING PLAN Travel South USA recently held its annual board meeting to set the course for the next 12 months. Destination marketing officials representing each of the 12 member states, including Georgia, adopted an integrated marketing plan.
In 2006, more than 5 million Canadians visited the southern USA. Travel South USA and its partner states are targeting these visitors to generate revenue and extended stays in the southern states. Travel South also retained Research International (Toronto) to provide a focus group study testing the 2007-2008 advertising campaign.
Travel South USA will hold the Second Annual Ultimate Advertising Challenge January 22-24, 2008, in Atlanta. This unique advertising forum is the only program where state tourism agencies come to the table with incremental monies to cooperatively buy regional advertising. Last year, the 12 states spent more than $500,000 in one day. In 2008, the program will expand to include advertising opportunities in the Mid-West, Texas and Canada. For more information, visit www.travelsouthusa.org.
7) THREE GEORGIA HOTELS RANK HIGH ON TRAVEL + LEISURE'S "TOP 100 HOTELS" "Travel + Leisure" released its annual "Top 100 Hotels: Continental U.S. and Canada" in the August issue. The Cloister at Sea Island, Greyfield Inn and Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation were all ranked in the top 50. Travel + Leisure subscribers were invited to participate and vote for their favorite hotel, cruise lines, airlines, outfitters, cities and island in the world. To find out more, visit www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest/2007/index.cfm.
8) SOME BUSINESS TRAVELERS PREFER B&BS

According to a recent article in the USA Today, business travelers generally don't consider bed-and-breakfasts for their lodging. Maybe they should, a new survey suggests. Most of 1,332 B&Bs in 49 states that responded last month to a survey by BedandBreakfast.com say they provide many of the services and amenities business travelers seek. Most provide at least five of the following business-friendly features: free Wi-Fi, a desk in a guest room, copying service, fax service, online booking, and corporate or single-occupancy rates. Almost all allow late check-in and early breakfast times. BedandBreakfast.com, which reviews B&Bs and books reservations, sent the survey to 5,000 innkeepers at the request of USA Today. To find out more, visit www.usatoday.com/travel/hotels/2007-07-30-bedbreakfast_N.htm
9) ULTIMATE GOLF ROOM CREATED AT REYNOLDS PLANTATION Golf Digest/Golf For Women have teamed up and created a golf masterpiece in Georgia. The Golf Digest/Golf For Women Signature Home at Reynolds Plantation is a one-of-akind getaway located on the shores of scenic Lake Oconee. Reynolds Plantation is already one of the best golf getaways in the Southeast and now you have another reason to visit. The Golf Digest/Golf for Women team have dreamed up everything in this 1,500square-foot room. From a putting green to a video-golf simulator, the five-bedroom, 9,000-square-foot signature house overlooks Lake Oconee and is open for tours until Thanksgiving. For a peek inside the signature home, visit http://www.golfdigest.com/magazine/2007/08/golfroom?slide=1.
10) SEVENTY-TWO TOURISM ENTITIES AWARDED $1 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDS The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), through the Georgia Tourism Foundation, announced last week that it has awarded $1 million in co-operative tourism marketing reimbursement grants to 72 tourism entities around the state. The grants were awarded to communities, convention & visitor bureaus, regional travel associations and other non-profit tourism entities.
This year, the Foundation had a significant increase in applications with grant requests totaling more than $1.8 million. The program funded 72 of the 115 projects, with 34 of the recipients being first-time applicants. With the private sector matches totaling $6.8 million, the grant program will support communities with marketing projects that they would not have been able to fund entirely on their own and will assist them in reaching a larger audience. Independent judges scored the applications based on several factors including project goals and objectives, benefit to the community, positive economic impact and the ability to attract and service visitors.
For the complete press release including a list of all grant recipients, visit www.georiga.org/travel.
11) GEORGIA DOMESTIC SALES UPDATE AND GROUP TOUR MARKET HIGHLIGHTS Thank you to North Georgia! You served as excellent hosts to our "Easy Riders" who toured the area on a FAM in mid July. Pete Pontus of American Bus Association and

Butch Beckwith of Turner Coaches gave a huge thumbs up to all who hosted them while on their motorcycle tour of North Georgia.
Upcoming Shows: Alabama Motorcoach Association - GDEcD will attend the annual meeting and marketplace in Huntsville, AL August 18-21, 2007. Georgia will be sponsoring a "Hi ya Neighbor" luncheon during the conference with several state partners serving as cosponsors of this event. Thank you to all who are participating.
National Tour Association - The State of Georgia will again participate as a sponsor for the National Tour Association Marketplace in Kansas City, MO to take place November 2 - 6, 2007. We are planning to give the National Tour Association members and attendees a Taste of Georgia. A booth will be set up on the marketplace floor and managed for five days. During these days, we will distribute our collateral as well as the flavors those of us in Georgia are fortunate to have close at hand. We want to promote food!
For co-sponsorship information please contact Katie Baasen at kbassen@georgia.org.
12) GEORGIA CONSUMER MARKET HIGHLIGHTS AND UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES Upcoming Shows: Charlotte Southern Women's Show September 20-23, 2007 Birmingham Southern Women's Show October 4-7, 2007
The Southern Women's Shows attracts more than 28,000 women over a 4 day period. These shows target women with giveaways and tips on beauty, cooking, fashion, health, shopping, travel and more. Both these shows are offering co-op opportunities for partners who include brochure distribution and representative attendance.
GDEcD will be participating as a partner with the Atlanta CVB in a booth at THE TRADE SHOW in Las Vegas, NV September 9-11, 2007. This show is being put on by the American Society of Travel Agents and will feature both consumer and trade attendees. This is the second year the show has been put on by ASTA; last year took place on the East Coast in Orlando, FL.
For more attendance information please contact Pam Kruseck at pkruseck@georgia.org
For co-sponsorship information please contact Katie Baasen at kbassen@georgia.org.
13) NORTHWEST GEORGIA GEARING UP FOR 150TH CIVIL WAR COMMEMORATION Northwest Georgia, Southeast Tennessee and Northeast Alabama have partnered to form the Tri-State Civil War 150th Commemoration Committee to cooperatively market and promote visitation to the area for the anniversary years of 20112015. The group is focusing on promoting current assets under one marketing umbrella. The three main trails highlighted will be the Atlanta Campaign, Chickamauga Campaign and Tullahoma

Campaign. The Kennesaw University Foundation has permission to set up an MOU with this group to manage funds, which will allow all gifts given to this group to be tax deductible. Anyone who would like to join in this effort should contact Paul Archambault, Committee Chairman Historic Preservation Planner, Southeast Tennessee Development District, (423) 424-4266 or parchamb@sedev.org.
14) LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN VALLEY TRAIL NEW ADDITION TO GEORGIA'S CREATIVE ECONOMIES The Lookout Mountain Valley Trail is a new "creative economies" trail focusing on the artists, craftsmen and agriculturalists in Dade, Walker and Chattooga Counties. The map brochure should be ready in time for the Georgia Governor's Conference on Tourism in Tifton in September.
GDEcD will be conducting sessions on the "Creative Economies Marketing Initiative" throughout the state to promote the creative economies businesses in Georgia. The first of nine sessions will be held in the Classic South Travel Region on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion in Martinez from 10:00am-2:00pm. Cost to attend is $10.00 and lunch will be served. Reservations must be made in order to attend. Contact: Jeannie Buttrum, Classic South Regional Tourism Rep at (706) 667-4944 or email jbuttrum@georgia.org for more information.
15) NATIONAL TRAIL OF TEARS CONFERENCE COMING TO GEORGIA IN NOVEMBER The 12th Annual Trail of Tears Association Conference and Symposium will be held in Rome, Georgia, November 5-8, 2007, at the Forum Civic Center.
The mission of the Trail of Tears Association is to promote and engage in the protection and preservation of Trail of Tears National Historic Trail resources; to promote awareness of the Trail's legacy, including the removal stories of the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole; and to perpetuate the management and development techniques that are consistent with the National Park Service's trail plan. Visit www.NationalTOTA.org for more information.
16) GDECD TO HOST BRAZILIAN GOLF MISSION In September, GDEcD will be hosting a group of Brazilian elite golf businessmen. These buyers are interested in purchasing golf equipment and investing in Georgia's golfing industry. They will be visiting from September 7-15, 2007. This is a great opportunity for them to become acquainted with the rich history of Golf in the state and make them aware of all the business opportunities that are available. If interested in getting involved in this opportunity, please contact globaloutreach@georgia.org by August 17, 2007.
17) AUGUSTA TO HOST 2008 TRAVEL MEDIA MARKETPLACE The 2008 Georgia Travel Media Marketplace will take place in Augusta from May 13, 2008. The Augusta CVB is proud to host this group of journalists who will explore the City of Augusta before participating in the marketplace event. Following the event journalists

will have an opportunity to participate in post FAM tours that will travel around the state.
18) CLASSIC SOUTH TRAVEL ASSOCIATION UNVEILS NEW COLLATERAL MATERIALS The Classic South Travel Association recently unveiled a new Classic South Regional Map and Guide. This new regional map and guide highlights the sites and attractions in the Classic South Travel Region. 75,000 copies were produced and are available by contacting Jeannie Buttrum at 706-667-4944 or jbuttrum@georgia.org.
19) GEORGIA STATE PARK SYSTEM AMONG TOP 3 IN THE NATION Sure, the caretakers of Georgia's 63 state parks and historic sites are a little biased. They think Georgia has the best natural and cultural resources in the country. And soon they might have an award to prove it.
Georgia's State Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division (PRHSD) is a finalist for the National Recreation and Park Association's "Gold Medal Excellence in Park & Recreation Management" award-- the most prestigious award a recreation agency can achieve. Georgia shares the honor with state park systems from Utah and Tennessee.
The winner will be announced September 26 at the 2007 NRPA Congress & Exposition in Indianapolis. Judges look for excellence in categories such as long-range planning, resource management, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development, volunteerism and an ability to meet the needs of a diverse population.
The finalist application process included a short video produced with assistance from Georgia Public Broadcasting. For more information, go to www.GeorgiaStateParks.org, or call 1-800-864-7275 for a free brochure.
20) COMING TO GEORGIA: DIAL 511! Georgia is about to get another source of real-time travel information: 511. It's an easy-toremember number that provides access to traffic information, commute options, airports, rail, tourism, transit, and even neighboring states. Georgia 511 also allows us to connect with a live operator-- to report a traffic accident, get more information, or request HERO assistance (in the metro Atlanta area).
Georgia is the 30th state to deploy 511, but our system will be one of the best. The 511 Project Team, headed by TMC Manager Anthony Bradford, started studying other 511 systems throughout the country in 2005. Based on NaviGAtor (www.georgianavigator.com/) user requests, feedback to the *DOT line, and discussions with other transportation agencies, the team made a "wish list" of options for Georgia's 511 system to offer.
After a detailed operational test period, Georgia 511 will launch Monday, August 13 with an event at the Transportation Management Center. A media and public awareness campaign will spread the word throughout the state. More information about 511 will be available on Friday at www.georgia-navigator.com.

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