Georgia tourism monthly e-newsletter, Jan. 2008

Georgia.org Peach Byte January 10, 2008
In this issue...
1. DREAMPASS SPECIAL OFFER FREE FOR THE FIRST YEAR! 2. GDEcD UNVIELS 2008 OFFICIAL STATE TRAVEL GUIDE 3. FY 2008-2009 CO-OP MARKETING REIMBURSEMENT GRANT INFORMATION AVAILABLE 4. GOVERNOR PERDUE ANNOUNCES SITES FOR GO FISH GEORGIA FACILITIES 5. COND NAST TRAVELER INCLUDES GA HOTELS AMONG GOLD LIST 6. FOUR HOTELS IN GA AMONG TRAVEL +LEISURE 500 7. SOUTHERN LIVING ANNOUNCES READERS' CHOICE AWARDS 8. NEW FEDERAL LEGISLATION SENDS WELCOMING MESSAGE TO INTERNATIONAL VISITORS 9. GEORGIA'S 2007-2011 STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN IS NOW ONLINE 10. 2008 HISTORIC LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN GRANT PROGRAM 11. TRAVEL TRENDS PETS WELCOME 12. TRAVEL TRENDS DOG VS BEDBUG 13. RESTAURANT CUSTOMERS TO OWNERS - "HAVE OUR TABLE READY" 14. FLAVOR OF GEORGIA FOOD PRODUCT CONTEST BEGINS 15. GDEcD SALES TEAM UPDATE 16. ERNIE HARWELL TO BE HONORED IN HOMETOWN OF WASHINGTON, GA 17. AUGUSTA BOTANICAL GARDENS TO REOPEN TO THE PUBLIC
1. DREAMPASS SPECIAL OFFER FREE FOR THE FIRST YEAR! The first 100 attractions that sign up for the Georgia Dream Pass affinity program will have their basic partner fees waived for the first year with a two year commitment. Additionally, new or existing premier partners will be discounted 50 percent for the first year. The Georgia Dream Pass is a free-to-consumer "membership rewards" program designed as a value-added program to help enhance the consumer's experience as they visit Georgia. The goal is to get the consumer to stay the extra night, buy the extra ticket, play the extra round and spend the additional dollar. All Georgia attractions are eligible to become a Dream Pass partner and receive this special offer. Current Dream Pass partners will also have their first year partnership fees waived.
For more information, contact the Dream Pass sales team at dreampass@georgia.org.
2. GDEcD UNVIELS 2008 OFFICIAL STATE TRAVEL GUIDE A coastal Georgia icon will cast its beacon worldwide with the release of the official state travel guide. The St. Simons Island Lighthouse is featured on the cover of the 2008 Georgia Travel Guide. The cover was unveiled during a special ceremony attended by representatives of GDEcD; Atlanta Magazine, which

publishes the annual guide; Glynn County Commissioners, and the Georgia Coastal Travel Association.
Over 850,000 copies of the state travel guide will be printed in 2008. This represents an increase of 100,000 copies over 2007. An abbreviated version of the guide is produced in five foreign languages: UK English, German, Spanish, Korean and Chinese.
The domestic version of the guide includes 216 pages, and is divided into sections, each representing one of nine tourism marketing regions in the state. Each section includes a map and introductory feature as well as comprehensive listings of the region's attractions, visitor resources and lodging. The guide also includes feature articles that promote various aspects of the visitor experience: Southern Goodness: Key foods in Georgia's culture; The Show Must Go On: Georgia renovates and saves its theaters; Fun on the Water: Activities on and near the water abound across the state; One of a Kind: the products of craftsmen are abundant in Georgia and Fruits of Labor: Georgia's luscious produce offers great eating and entertainment.
To request your copy of the new guide, visit http://www.georgia.org/Travel/InfoDownloads/Brochures.htm.
3. FY 2008-2009 CO-OP MARKETING REIMBURSEMENT GRANT INFORMATION AVAILABLE The FY 2008-2009 Co-Op Marketing Reimbursement Grant Guidelines, Application, Logo Usage Guidelines and Tier Level information are now on our website at www.Marketgeorgia.org, then click Marketing Campaigns. Applications are due April 4, 2008. There are no major changes from last year, but the guidelines should be read in their entirety for understanding.
The program's primary mission is the creation and implementation of projects designed to stimulate and expand travel and tourism within the state.
These guidelines contain procedures, requirements and instructions for developing your grant request.
This is a reimbursement grants program, therefore funds for your project/program should be in place before beginning the project/program. Co-Op reimbursement grant funds are distributed after your Final Report is submitted for review at the conclusion of your program/project.
4. GOVERNOR PERDUE ANNOUNCES SITES FOR GO FISH GEORGIA FACILITIES As the Georgia Department of Natural Resources begins implementation of the Go Fish Georgia program, Governor Sonny Perdue announced the locations for the Go Fish Georgia Center and Hatchery and the ten sites across the state for mega-ramps to be built on lakes and rivers.

Governor Perdue joined a number of local officials from Perry and Houston County to announce the Go Fish Georgia Center will be built on 120 acres located on the south side of the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter. This facility will include a visitor's center that will market and promote fishing opportunities throughout the state, an on-site public fishing lake and a fully functioning warm water hatchery.
The 10 mega-ramp sites announced today are part of a 15-site bass fishing trail that will include large ramps capable of accommodating large fishing tournaments. Eight of the sites will receive Go Fish Georgia funds to match local financial and in-kind contributions for construction. The other two sites will be built on Lake Hartwell using funds from the PCB contamination settlement stemming from chemical releases upstream by a South Carolina plant that eventually flowed down into the lake.
The sites that were announced include:
Laurel Park - Hall County on Lake Lanier Wildwood Park - Columbia County on Clarks Hill Lake Richard B. Russell State Park - Elbert County on Lake Richard B. Russell Pyne Road Park - Troup County on West Point Lake Veterans Memorial State Park - Crisp County / Cordele on Lake Blackshear Earle May Boat Basin Park City of Bainbridge on Lake Seminole Jaycee Landing - Wayne County and City of Jesup on the Altamaha River Robert Baurle Ramp Augusta / Richmond County on the Savannah River Gum Branch Access - Hart County and the City of Hartwell on Lake Hartwell Tugaloo State Park - Franklin County - Stephens County and the City of Lavonia on Lake Hartwell.
5. COND NAST TRAVELER INCLUDES GA HOTELS AMONG GOLD LIST In its January issue, "Cond Nast Traveler" announced its Gold List. Six Georgia hotels are among those recognized Lodge on Little St. Simons Island, Lodge at Sea Island, Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah, Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, RitzCarlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation and The Cloister on Sea Island. For the Gold List, the magazine takes its 2006 Readers' Choice Awards winners and delves deeper in the responses, rating hotels for their food, activities, service, rooms, design and location. To find out more, visit http://www.concierge.com/bestof/goldlist/2007/regions/northamerica/usa/georgia/
6. FOUR HOTELS IN GA AMONG TRAVEL +LEISURE 500 In its January issue, "Travel + Leisure" presented its T+L 500, the magazine's annual list of the Best 500 Hotels in the World. Four Georgia hotels are among the top in the U.S.: Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead; Greyfield Inn, Cumberland Island; Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation and The Cloister on Sea Island. For the sixth annual T+L 500, the magazine's global team of reporters and editors culled the 500 highest-rated hotels from its World Best survey, identified what differentiates them from their competitors, searched out the best rooms to book

and determined what services, amenities, and perks not to miss. To find out more, visit http://www.travelandleisure.com/tl500/2008/.
7. "SOUTHERN LIVING" ANNOUNCES READERS' CHOICE AWARDS In its January 2008 issue, "Southern Living" announced the winners of its 2007 Readers Choice Awards. Atlanta was named third best southern city and the best place for shopping. Savannah was the reader's second favorite Southern city and Savannah's famed Lady and Sons restaurant was named among the best family restaurants. To find out more, visit http://www.southernliving.com/southern/travel/travel_south/slideshow/0,14243,16 93457-1,00.html.
In addition, "Southern Living" will start taking nominations for the 2008 Readers Choice Awards on Jan. 7. An online nomination form will be available at www.southernliving.com/readerschoice.
8. NEW FEDERAL LEGISLATION SENDS WELCOMING MESSAGE TO INTERNATIONAL VISITORS Travel industry officials are praising congressional leaders for passing legislation that improves and strengthens U.S. visa and entry policies to increase efficiency and enhance security in the travel process.
The travel system reform provisions included in the sections of the bill that fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State include:
$40 million for "Model Ports": This provision provides $40 million to fund a "Model Ports" program at America's top 20 inbound international airports that would streamline the visitor entry process and make it more welcoming to international travelers.
200 new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers: The funds allocated for Model Ports also will allow the hiring of 200 new officers to reduce processing times at the top 20 international airports.
Establishment of International Registered Traveler (IRT) Program: This provision requires the Department of Homeland Security to establish an IRT program to expedite the inspection of frequent U.S. and international travelers arriving by air into the United States. This would increase security by allowing CBP officials to target their attention on lesser-known travelers and bring the U.S. closer to productive negotiations with other governments successfully implementing IRT programs.
$26 million for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): This provision provides $26 million to fund the development and implementation of a fully automated electronic travel authorization system to collect basic biographical information to determine, in advance of travel, the eligibility of a foreign visitor to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Construction of the ETA is

a prerequisite for expansion of the VWP to additional countries such as South Korea, Greece and newly-admitted European Union countries.
Enhancements of US-VISIT: The $475 million allocated for US-VISIT to improve entry and exit tracking of foreign visitors includes funds for deployment of new fingerprint devices and software to reduce false positives and to begin construction of a biometric exit program at U.S. airports required to allow further expansion of the VWP.
$5 million for mobile consular teams: This provision provides $5 million dollars to the Department of State to develop a capability to deploy mobile teams of consular officials to conduct visa interviews for would-be travelers who do not live near a U.S. consulate.
$225 million for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI): This provision provides $225 million for WHTI implementation and requires certification from the Departments of State and Homeland Security if WHTI documentation requirements are imposed on travelers before June 1, 2009. It also conditions $75 million on the departments submitting material to Congress that the technical architecture is sound and privacy issues have been addressed.
For more information, visit www.tia.org.
9. GEORGIA'S 2007-2011 STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN IS NOW ONLINE Under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, each State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is charged with developing, and revising as needed, a statewide historic preservation plan. Georgia's State Historic Preservation Plan 2007-2011: Building a Preservation Ethic was completed in 2007 and is now available on our website at http://hpd.dnr.state.ga.us/content/displaycontent.asp?txtDocument=408.
This plan will guide our work through 2011, and provides common direction for all organizations and individuals who support the preservation of Georgia's historic places.
The Plan includes information about trends in Georgia and how they may affect historic properties; mission, vision and goals for historic preservation; information about Georgia's historic and archaeological resources, information about how preservation works in Georgia, and about the statewide preservation planning process. We encourage you to take a look at the Plan and assist us in the mission of promoting the preservation and use of historic places for a better Georgia.
10. 2008 HISTORIC LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN GRANT PROGRAM The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. is accepting applications for its annual grants program to promote awareness of the state's historic landscapes and gardens. Non-profits and local governments are eligible to apply for 50/50 matching grants. The maximum award is $3000. Eligible projects include restoration of

designed gardens and landscapes; historic landscape/garden restoration plans; and cultural landscape reports. Project work must promote responsible preservation practices. Funding priority is given to gardens and landscapes listed in the Georgia Register of Historic Places, either individually or as part of a historic district. Applications must be received by February 1, 2008. Awards will be announced at the Garden Club's State Convention to be held in April. Applications may be obtained from the Garden Club's website: www.uga.edu/gardenclub/GrantGuide.
Please send your application to: Beverly Taylor, 2905 Meadowview Drive, Columbus, GA 31906 (e-mail bevst@charter.net). For additional information, contact HPD's Mary Ann Eaddy at (404) 651-5283 or e-mail at mary.ann.eaddy@dnr.state.ga.us.
11. TRAVEL TRENDS PETS WELCOME Hotels Go to the Dogs - In a bid to attract pet owners, hotels have been welcoming pets in greater numbers in recent years. Nearly half of U.S. hotels accept pets, according to the American Hotel and Lodging Association's 2006 annual survey, up from about 30 percent 10 years ago. Many now offer elaborate pet-friendly perks, from "canine cocktail hours" to "rover relaxation massages." But the rising acceptance of pets in hotels is pitting the 63 percent of U.S. households that own pets against the estimated 17 percent of the U.S. population that tests positive to cat or dog allergens. As the popularity of pet programs has grown, many hotels have stopped keeping track of which rooms pets have been in. Now, guests with allergies, asthma and pet aversions are finding themselves in beds where animals have slept the night before, or on elevators with dogs that they fear will slobber or shed on their clothes. One big issue is lack of consistent information on what rooms allow pets or where pets have stayed. To find out more, visit http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119879951007354215.html.
12. TRAVEL TRENDS DOG VS BEDBUG At Boston Hotel, It's Dog vs. Bedbug - In the 3 years it's been open, Jurys Boston Hotel has never found bedbugs on its premises, nor have its guests complained about being bitten. Still, the luxury hotel began dispatching a bedbug-sniffing dog to each of the 225 guest rooms last year. And when the canine detective barked, after detecting the suspicious scent of the itch-inducing insects or their eggs, the hotel fumigated two rooms and burned the mattresses. Hotels are intensifying their efforts to quash the wingless insects, once nearly eradicated but again becoming a nuisance. Bedbugs don't signal unsanitary living conditions or transmit diseases, but hotels don't want to be bitten by bad publicity when upset guests vent on blogs or online social networks. To find out more, visit http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2008/01/03/at_hotels_its_dog_vs_bedb ug/.
13. RESTAURANT CUSTOMERS TO OWNERS - "HAVE OUR TABLE READY" According to a recent survey from Cornell University, when restaurant customers

make a reservation, they consider it a firm commitment that the restaurant will have their table ready, according to a new study from Cornell University. The report, "A Consumer's View of Restaurant Reservations Policies," is available at no charge from Cornell's Center for Hospitality Research (http://www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/research/chr/pubs/reports/2008.html).
The survey found that customers were not keen on several policies designed to prevent no-shows, late-shows, or short-shows (when some, but not all of a party arrives). While the survey respondents generally supported the idea of giving away the table of a late-arriving party, for instance, they disliked policies that call for an entire party to be present before anyone is seated. Credit-card guarantees earned reluctant support in the survey.
Frank Bruni, reporter for the New York Times and author of the Diner's Journal blog, made the survey available (http://www.dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/). In his coverage of responses to the survey, he noted: "From my experiences in restaurants and the comments that come into this blog, it's become clear to me that there's a lot of tension between restaurateurs and diners, an enormous disparity between the kinds of rules and procedures that restaurants deem necessary and those that their customers deem fitting."
14. FLAVOR OF GEORGIA FOOD PRODUCT CONTEST BEGINS It's time for producers and businesses to send in their new or innovative Georgia food products for the upcoming 2008 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest. The contest is officially open, with submissions allowed through February 1. Last year, they received more than 150 entries, with the final eight winners and grand prize winner awarded by the Governor on Ag Awareness Day which will take place on March 18, 2008. Several finalists and winners have experienced success from the exposure contract offerings, features in local and statewide media, and products picked up by retailers such as Whole Foods for distribution. The contest is hosted and organized by UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development along with fellow sponsors UGA Department of Food Science & Technology, Governor's Agricultural Advisory Commission, Georgia Rural Development Council, and Georgia Agribusiness Council. More details and online registration are available at www.areg.caes.uga.edu.
15. GDEcD SALES TEAM UPDATE
Kevin Langston and Katie Baasen are attending the Receptive Services Association of America (RSSA) Summit in St Petersburg, FL January 9 11. GDEcD will be participating in educational seminars as well as prescheduled appointments. RSAA is a national non-profit trade association whose members include major inbound visit USA receptive tour operators and suppliers (lodging companies, transportation companies, destinations, attractions, restaurants, etc.) from across the country. These receptive tour operators contract with overseas tour wholesalers to provide tourist services throughout the United States for their groups and FIT travelers from abroad.

Katie Baasen and Maggie Potter will be attending the American Bus Association (ABBA) Annual Marketplace in Virginia Beach, VA February 1-7. GDEcD will be participating in pre-scheduled appointments during the DMO days as well as participating as a convention sponsor which includes having an information booth on the marketplace floor. This booth will spotlight Georgia as a culinary tourism destination and will offer peanuts, peach candy and recipes as giveaways to group tour operators.
Golf Shows GDEcD will attend 10 consumer golf shows in 2008 with several industry partners and Pam Shaheen who represents Georgia State Park courses.
Shows include:
Louisville Golf Show January 11 - 13 Cincinnati Golf Show - January 18- 20 St. Louis Golf Show - January 25 - 27 Greater Washington Golf Show - February 1- 3 Chicago Golf Show - February 8 - 10 Greater Cleveland Golf Show - February 15 - 17 West Michigan Golf Show - February 22 - 24 Greater Pittsburgh Golf Show - February 29 March 2 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Golf Show March 7 9 Michigan Golf Show - March 7- 9
Consumer golf shows attendees are: 72% - Travel to play golf at least one time each year Average number of days of golf trip 77% - Male 81% - Age 35+ 68% - Have Household Incomes of $75,000+
16. ERNIE HARWELL TO BE HONORED IN HOMETOWN OF WASHINGTON, GA The Washington event to honor Ernie Harwell will be held at The Pope Center on Friday, February 15, the day before his induction into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in Atlanta. The event will honor one of Washington's famous native sons for a lifetime of achievement and will also provide ongoing scholarships for students pursuing careers in his chosen profession. Harwell was born in Washington in 1918 and began his sports announcing career with the Atlanta Crackers in 1943. He is the only announcer in baseball history to be traded for a player when he was hired by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1948. He is most famous for having been the "voice" of the Detroit Tigers for almost 42 years, beginning in 1960 and ending with his retirement in 2002.

Many of Harwell's calls are legendary and his broadcasts also include two AllStar games and two World Series, nationally for NBC Radio, as well as the 1984 World Series for the Tigers and WJR in Detroit.
Attendees will be treated to a menu of hotdogs, popcorn, peanuts, and Cracker Jack in keeping with the baseball theme and an auction of baseball items will include merchandise and memorabilia donated by the Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers.
Proceeds from the event will be used to endow at least one scholarship for a local broadcast journalism major and to establish the annual "Ernie Harwell MVP Award" for a Washington-Wilkes Tiger baseball player. Anyone interested in purchasing a "table" is encouraged to call Ashley Barnett at 706-678-2013, Jim Roberts at 706-678-2448, or Sparky Newsome at 706-678-2636.
17. AUGUSTA BOTANICAL GARDENS TO REOPEN TO THE PUBLIC Mayor Deke Copenhaver and the City of Augusta are proud to announce the reopening of the Gardens located at the former Georgia Golf Hall of Fame site. The grand reopening is Saturday, January 5th starting at 10am. The Gardens will be free to the public and will be opened starting January 5th on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm.
"I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to open the Gardens for all of our citizens and visitors alike at no charge. I have long stated that it is my firm belief that all great cities have public gardens and I know that providing free access will go a long way towards showing the public what a true asset this sight is to our community. My hope is that citizens will make great use of the Gardens for walking, running, picnics, or just taking a moment to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. I would like to personally thank our Parks and Recreation Department as they have done a tremendous job in getting the Gardens ready for public viewing again and their efforts are greatly appreciated," stated Mayor Copenhaver.
For more information, please contact Karyn Nixon, Executive Assistant to Mayor Copenhaver at 706-821-1833 or Email: knixon@augustaga.gov.
FEEDBACK WELCOME We look forward to your feedback and comments. Please contact us at feedback@georgia.org.
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