Georgia tourism monthly e-newsletter, June 2008

Georgia.org Peach Byte June 6, 2008
In this issue...
GET OUTDOORS GEORGIA! FREE DAY IN THE PARKS SET FOR THIS SATURDAY Free Day in the Parks Set for This Saturday, June 14 All Visitors Get in Free to Any One of Georgia's 63 State Parks and Historic Sites
WHAT: Free Day in the Parks, Presented by Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
WHEN: Saturday June 14, 2008
WHERE: Georgia's 63 state parks and historic sites
WHO: Every visitor will receive free parking and waived admission fees to any Georgia state park or historic site
To kick off the state's "Get Outdoors Georgia" initiative, every one of Georgia's 63 state parks and state historic sites will be free for every visitor on Saturday, June 14 - just in time for Father's Day weekend. All parking fees and admission fees will be waived for a full day to enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking and dozens of other activities in Georgia's diverse and beautiful outdoors.
Dozens of events, such as fishing rodeos and guided hikes, are planned across the state, details can be found at www.GetOutdoorsGeorgia.org. Free Day in the Parks is made possible by support from The Coca-Cola Company.
For more information, please visit: www.GetOutdoorsGeorgia.org or call 1 (800) 864-7275.
Note: Not valid at Stone Mountain, Lake Lanier Islands, Jekyll Island or Chattahoochee River NRA because these are not state parks operated by Georgia's Department of Natural Resources.
STATE'S NEW TOURISM WEB SITE FINALIST FOR COVETED 'STEVIE' AWARD The State of Georgia's new tourism Web site, ExploreGeorgia.org, was recently named a finalist in the American Business Awards.
"I'm pleased that our online strategy has been recognized by the American Business Awards," said Ken Stewart, commissioner for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. "Our team has worked hard to create a customer experience which translates Georgia's attractions into a terrific visitor experience online."
Known as the "Stevies," the American Business Awards are compared to the Oscars in terms of prestige. GDEcD's interactive agency, Engauge Digital

(formerly Spunlogic), submitted the site to the Brand Building/Promotion Web Site category. For more information on the American Business Awards, visit www.stevieawards.com/aba.
GDECD ADDS TWO NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT MANAGERS Please join the Georgia Department of Economic Development in welcoming on board our new Tourism Product Development Project Managers Pooja Kumarhia and Mary Stansfield.
Pooja Kumarhia comes to Tourism from the Global Commerce Division where she has served as a statewide project manager since May 2006. She also previously worked in our International Trade Division. From rural communities to the metro Pooja has worked with a wide spectrum of communities, resources and projects. She brings excellent skills in project initiation, management and execution to our Tourism team.
Mary Stansfield will be transferring within Tourism from the Georgia Music Hall of Fame where she has served as the Manager of Visitor Services since 2006. She was responsible for managing the museum operations for admissions, retail and rentals and developed and executed marketing plans targeted to group travelers. Prior to working with the Department she worked with Habitat for Humanity and the Coca Cola Company where she held a number of management positions. Mary has a broad background of working at all levels including Board level to achieve solutions to business issues. She brings a successful record of implementing new processes domestically and internationally including developing markets.
Both new product managers will be working under the supervision of Bruce Green, Director, Tourism Product Development.
NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES CONSERVATION PROGRAM The National Restaurant Association has announced the launch of "Conserve: Solutions for Sustainability," an initiative designed to support the United States' nearly one million restaurant and foodservice locations as they become more eco-friendly. Central to the Conserve program is a new Web site that includes stories about several restaurants that have successfully implemented environmentally friendly practices. Initially focused on energy, water and construction, the site will grow over time to include other aspects of sustainability, including recycling, packaging, cleaning supplies and food and beverages. To find out more, visit http://www.conserve.restaurant.org/index.cfm.
CORNELL RESTAURANT REPORT SHOWS HOW TO CALCULATE REVENUE ACCURATELY Restaurant managers are increasingly applying revenue management techniques to make their operations more profitable. The key to restaurant revenue management is accurately measuring revenue for a particular time interval. With a solid measurement of their revenue, restaurant managers can

make necessary adjustments that will boost profits. A new restaurant report from Cornell's Center for Hospitality Research shows how to make that important revenue calculation.
The newly issued online restaurant report, "Accurately Estimating Time-Based Restaurant Revenues Using Revenue per Available Seat-Hour," (http://www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/research/chr/pubs/reports/2008.html) by Gary M. Thompson and Heeju (Louise) Sohn, is available at no charge from the Center for Hospitality Research.
REYNOLDS PLANTATION NAMED A "TOP 50 TENNIS RESORT" BY TENNIS RESORTS ONLINE Reynolds Plantation's Lake Club Tennis Center was named a "Top 50 Tennis Resort" by Tennis Resorts Online for the second year in a row. This award is judged by players who visit facilities and rate them in an online survey. The 2008 survey asked players to assess resorts and camps in 20 categories, including all aspects of the tennis experience and such diverse characteristics as the quality of lodging, restaurants, children's programs, and value for the dollar.
The Lake Club Tennis Center was also named a Top 50 Tennis Welcome Center by the Tennis Industry Association and the U. S. Tennis Association this year. For more information, call 800-800-5250 or visit www.reynoldsplantation.com.
GDECD SALES UPDATE Katie Baasen, Stefanie Paupeck, Anne Young, Wolfgang Streitbrger, and Carey Ferrara attended TIA's International Pow Wow in Las Vegas, NV June 1-5. It is the 40th anniversary of the tradeshow that is considered the travel industry's premier international marketplace and the largest generator of Visit USA travel! GDEcD participated in pre-scheduled appointment sessions with international tour operators. There will also be a media marketplace during the event where one on one appointments with international media will take place.
Katie Baasen will be attending TAP Dance in Girdwood, Alaska June 9-13, 2008. TAP Dance is a marketplace put on by Travel Alliance Partners. Travel Alliance Partners, LLC is a partner-owned organization of the 34 premiere tour operators in the United States and Canada. Developing joint marketing opportunities and sharing best business practices in an environment of mutual trust. is a key component to the success of each partner. Currently GDEcD is participating in the marketing program through TAP into Southern Treasures highlighting the southern states and itineraries. Check it out at www.tapintosoutherntreasures.com.
Katie Baasen will be attending the North American Journeys Tour Operator Summit East June 16-17, 2008, New York, NY. This is a marketplace and conference bringing together west coast/east coast tour operators with destinations and suppliers. NAJ: NAJ Summit East. For more information, go to www.najsummit.com.

Registration for the 2008 NTA Annual Convention in Pittsburgh, to be held November 15-19, 2008, is available on the Convention Web site. Early registration is very important for all members, but especially tour suppliers and DMOs. First, you are much more likely to be able to participate in the appointment scheduling process if you register early. Second, appointments are matched based upon registration number, so having a lower registration number (which is assigned to early registrants) will help ensure a greater result from your appointment requests and avoid your being placed on the waitlist.
Marketplace registration and housing materials will be mailed to all active ABA members on July 11, 2008 for 2009 ABA Annual Convention in Charlotte, January 7-12, 2009. On-line registration will begin on July 14, 2008. Housing will be open to ALL delegates on July 14 at noon e.d.t.
Cobb CVB will be hosting a "Introduction to the Student and Youth Travel Market", Wednesday, June 18, 2008, 9:30am until noon at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel, 2450 Galleria Pkwy. Atlanta, GA 30339. John Krish, with Travel Adventures and incoming SYTA president will be speaking about the student and youth travel market. Contact Judy Renfroe for more information Renfroe@cobbcvb.com.
GDEcD will be hosting Group Tour Boot Camp at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame June 19-20, 2008. Sessions will include: Group Tour 101, Student Market Basics, ROI for Today; Tracking 2008, FAM Execution, The Art of the Sales Mission, and GA Group Tour Strategy (this is a tentative listing). Please join us to brush up your skills, learn a few things and discuss the motorcoach market. For more information please email Katie Baasen at kbaasen@georgia.org.
VOTING OPEN FOR SOUTHERN LIVING READERS CHOICE AWARDS FOR 2008 Ballots are now open for the 2008 Southern Living Readers Choice Awards. People can go to the magazine's Web site, register and then vote for their favorite city, small town, family destination, weekend getaway, hotel, beach, festival/fair, scenic view, and public garden, plus preferred restaurants for breakfast/brunch, splurging and southern favorites. Deadline for entries is July 21. Results will be published in the January 2009 issue of Southern Living. To register and vote, visit https://www.timeinc.net/southern/secure/sweeps/readerschoice08/entry.html?iid= readerschoice|ballot|2008.
THE CLOISTER & REYNOLDS PLANTATION AMONG COND NAST TRAVELER'S TOP GOLF RESORTS The Cloister on Sea Island & Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro are among the Top 100 Golf Resorts as determined by Cond Nast Traveler and published in its June issue. The magazine tabulated the responses of 2,805 Cond Nast Traveler readers who were asked to evaluate 477 golf resorts that they had visited in the past three years. Properties were rated on six criteria Design of Courses (20 percent of score), Golf Staff & Service (20 percent), Rooms (15 percent), Resort Service (15 percent), Food/Dining (15

percent), and Activities/Facilities (15 percent) using a five-point scale: excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor. The Cloister ranked #3 with an overall score of 95.2 and Reynolds Plantation ranked #37 with an overall score of 90.0. To find out more, visit http://www.concierge.com/tools/travelawards/golfpoll.
THE 'DUKES OF HAZZARD' RETURNS TO GEORGIA Georgia-based Mix International Media and Executive Producer, Richard Mix in partnership with John and Elly Schneider and Dukes Fest, Inc., are proud to announce the production of a two-hour television special and DVD release celebrating The Dukes of Hazzard 30th Anniversary.
The Duke boys are coming back to Georgia ...where it all began... for the "Dukesfest" annual convention and Hazzard County Fair at Atlanta Motor Speedway June 28th and 29th more than 150,000+ people are expected to be in attendance. Most of the production for this project will take place at this event. The original series was filmed in and around Atlanta so it's only fitting that the celebration takes place right where the show began.
Part of the production will also include a contest to determine "The Ultimate Dukes Fan". Four contestants will be chosen based on their submissions to www.ultimatedukesfan.com and these contestants will receive VIP entrance to Dukesfest where they will compete in a series of competitions to determine the winner and "Ultimate Dukes Fan". Visit www.dukesfest.com for additional information on Dukesfest.
AFRICAN AMERICAN NHL ASSESSMENT STUDY A study to evaluate the efforts of the National Park Service's National Historic Landmarks Program to commemorate nationally significant African American history is now complete and available online. The African American NHL Assessment Study examines designation efforts, makes recommendations for future research, and suggests strategies to encourage public preparation of new NHL nominations. The study was undertaken by the National Park Service in partnership with the Organization of American Historians. To view the study, visit http://www.nps.gov/history/nhl/themes/Special%20Studies/AA%20NHL%20Asse ssment%20Study.pdf
-from Heritage News, National Park Service newsletter - May 2008
PRESERVE AMERICA STEWARDS PROGRAM BEGINS At the Preserve America Presidential Awards ceremony May 12 at the White House, Mrs. Laura Bush announced the start of a new iniative called Preserve America Stewards. This volunteer-driven program will recognize programs at the state, tribal, local, or regional level that have demonstrated a successful use of volunteer time and commitment in order to help care for our cultural heritage. Once recognized, the organizations and agencies will also be listed in an online directory, with links to their own Web sites, contact information and information for potentially interested volunteers about getting involved. Read more at http://www.preserveamerica.gov/stewards.html

BUDGET TRAVEL - TOP 10 TRAVEL INNOVATIONS OF THE PAST 10 YEARS Budget Travel their readers to tell them what the best travel innovation of the past decade were. Readers have spoken, and the consensus? Technology is good. So many ideas came in -- with convincing explanations -- that they put the 20 finalists to a vote at BudgetTravel.com. To view the final list, visit http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25065524/.
STONE MOUNTAIN PARK REPRESENTS GA ON USA TODAY LIST Last month, USA Today spotlighted one attraction per state in its article "Close to Home: 51 Fresh Summer Destinations," which offered a state-by-state suggestion for staying closer to home due to rising gas prices. Stone Mountain Park was the attraction recognized for Georgia. Specifically highlighted was the park's Lasershow Spectacular. To find out more, visit http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2008-05-22-summerdestinations_N.htm.
NEXT ON GEORGIA TRAVLER - "THE OLD DIXIE HIGHWAY" On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, we explore U.S. 41 from Macon to Cordele. The nation's first planned highway, U.S. 41 is often referred to as the "Old Dixie Highway". The team gets great travel advice at the Visitors Information Center in Macon and David sets off for fried green tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Caf in Juliette. Phil celebrates the state fruit at the Peach Festival in Fort Valley while Keely shoots skeet on her getaway to Henderson Village in Perry. Everyone joins in the outdoor activity of golfing at Lake Blackshear in Cordele and David dives into the local legend of the Grit in Warwick.
Georgia Traveler's "Old Dixie Highway" episode airs Friday, June 13, 2008 at 9:00p.m., Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. Georgia Traveler is produced in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Tourism Foundation.
Watch Georgia Public Broadcasting on these nine stations across Georgia: Atlanta - Channel 8; Albany - WABW/14, Augusta - WCES/20, Chatsworth WNGH/18, Columbus - WJSP/28, Dawson - WACS/25, Macon - WMUM/29, Savannah - WVAN/9, Waycross - WXGA/8. For more information about Georgia Traveler, please go to: http://www.gpb.org/georgiatraveler.
NTHP announces 2008 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places The National Trust for Historic Preservation named the 2008 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places, an annual list that highlights important examples of the nation's architectural, cultural and natural heritage that are at risk for destruction or irreparable damage. No Georgia resources appear on this list. http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/11-most-endangered/
TRAVEL TREND - GUEST SNOOZE OR HOTELS LOSE Hotels Realize That If Guests Can't Snooze, They Lose The pillow menu a variety of different types of pillows such as anti-snore, aromatherapy and even

buckwheat hull pillows is just one way lodgings are helping guests get their zzz's. Counting sheep is so yesterday: In this restless age, sleep aids and enhancement programs are hot amenities at a growing number of hotels, resorts and spas. Some hotels and spas take a more medical approach to sleep problems, working with local physicians or sleep disorder programs. The National Center for Health Statistics estimates sleep problems affect as many as 70 million people in the USA. To find out more, visit http://www.usatoday.com/travel/hotels/2008-05-22-sleep-hotels_N.htm.
TRAVEL TREND - ROAD WARRIORS WANE The Waning Days of the Road Warrior Whenever there's an economic downturn, corporations slash their travel budgets. The International Air Transport Assn. is already reporting that business and first-class travel have experienced the biggest plunge in five years. Typically, when the economy snaps back, so do the business trips. This time, though, certain types of corporate jaunts may be dead for good. That's not to say all business travel is going extinct. Globalization has expanded workplace networks exponentially. We all need to collaborate with and stay connected to more people than ever. Still, a growing number of managers are thinking twice before jumping on a plane. To find out more, visit http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_22/b4086065667204.htm?c han=search.
TRAVEL TREND - STATES ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO STAY CLOSE TO HOME States Use Ads To Give Residents Vacation Ideas Close To Home As Americans put the brakes on their summer travel plans, state tourism offices are trying to lure vacationers from nearby with regional ads that promote destinations that can be reached on one tank of gas. A recent USA Today/Gallup Poll shows that one-third of Americans are rethinking vacation plans because of gas prices. Record high gas prices that average nearly $4 a gallon nationwide as well as air travel hassles and higher prices are prompting some people to pack in their vacation plans. States increasingly are trying to sell their attractions to residents and regional neighbors. When gas prices surge, consumers "want to travel closer to home, take shorter trips and travel in their state or neighboring state," AAA's Mike Pina says. To find out more, visit http://www.usatoday.com/money/advertising/adtrack/2008-06-01-tourism-statevacation-offers_N.htm.
SURVEY - HASSLES OF AIR TRAVEL COST AIRLINES Fliers Skipping Trips Due To Hassles Of Air Travel Consumers chose not to take 41 million trips over the last 12 months because flying is too much of a hassle, according to a new Travel Industry Association study. The more than 100,000 trips a day that don't happen because of the hassle factor costs the U.S. economy an estimated $26.5 billion in foregone travel spending, said TIA president Roger Dow last week. To find out more, visit http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2008-05-29-air-travel-survey_N.htm.
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