August 2009 Issue
In This Issue:
2009 GEORGIA GOVERNOR'S TOURISM CONFERENCE - AUGUST 31- SEPTEMBER 2 TWO GDEcD VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER SPECIALISTS RECEIVE COMMENDATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE EVANS GEORGIA NAMED IN TOP 10 BEST FAMILY CITIES THE RITZ-CARLTON LODGE, REYNOLDS PLANTATION WINS 2009 AH&LA STARS OF THE INDUSTRY AWARD PRESERVE AMERICA II COMMUNITY LANDMARK GRANTS AWARDED AUGUSTA CVB'S PEGGY SEIGLER EARNS CERTIFIED DESTINATION MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE DESIGNATION GDEcD UPDATE STS FALL MEETING 2009: THE CLEAR ROAD TO RECOVERY - SEPTEMBER 9-10 U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION'S MARKETING OUTLOOK FORUM - OCTOBER 26-28 GDEcD GREAT GPS GIVEAWAY SWEEPSTAKES PRESS RELEASE: DISCOVER CREATIVE GEORGIA TRAVEL TRENDS: STUDY: TRAVEL INTENTIONS OF AMERICANS IMPROVING TRAVEL NEWS: DISCOVERAMERICA.COM MARKS 1-YEAR ONLINE TRAVEL NEWS: TRAVEL INDUSTRY CROSSES ITS FINGERS OVER H1N1 TRAVEL NEWS: BUSINESS TRAVEL CURBS MAY BE PERMANENT

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2009 GEORGIA GOVERNOR'S TOURISM CONFERENCE - AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 2
Georgia's Governor's Tourism Conference is one of Georgia's most highly anticipated events held exclusively for the state's tourism industry. The 2009 conference will take place August 31 September 2 at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. For more information, visit www.georgiagtc.com.
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TWO GDEcD VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER SPECIALISTS RECEIVE COMMENDATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE
Karen Waters and Peggy Rogers of the Columbus Visitor Information Center were recently recognized by Governor Perdue with a Commendation for Excellence in Customer Service. This award recognizes actions and accomplishments that enhance the public image of customer service or improve the way customer service is provided in a way that directly benefits the citizens, customers and/or employees of the state of Georgia. On May 22, 2009, a visitor to the Columbus Visitor Information Center had a massive heart attack. Peggy Rogers and Karen Waters immediately reacted to the situation, called for help and assisted the victim's wife. Congratulations to Karen and Peggy.
........................................................................................................................................................................ EVANS GEORGIA NAMED IN TOP 10 BEST FAMILY CITIES
Family Circle announced the results of its exclusive survey to identify the best TOWNS AND CITIES across the country FOR FAMILIES in June 2009. The communities featured in the magazine's annual roundup of perfect places to call home combine affordable housing, good neighbors, green spaces and A+ public school systems. The results of the comprehensive survey appear in Family Circle's August 2009 issue.

................................................................................................................................................................... THE RITZ-CARLTON LODGE, REYNOLDS PLANTATION WINS 2009 AH&LA STARS OF THE INDUSTRY AWARD
The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation was honored recently with the 2009 Stars of the Industry Award by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA). The Lodge won the Special Events-Ongoing award for a large property, for their annual Lighting of the Lodge event. For information, visit the web site at www. ritzcarltonlodge.com.
.................................................................................................................... PRESERVE AMERICA II COMMUNITY LANDMARK GRANTS AWARDED
HPD is pleased to announce that nine Preserve America communities in Georgia will receive federally funded matching grants (50/50) to conduct heritage tourism activities involving their community landmarks. The projects will begin next month and will be completed by September 2010. The remaining funds will be used to produce two publications on historic preservation and heritage tourism and to sponsor a statewide community landmark conference, which will be held in March 2010 in Warm Springs. For a list of the nine sub-grant recipients, visit www.gashpo.org.
................................................................................................................................................................... AUGUSTA CVB'S PEGGY SEIGLER EARNS CERTIFIED DESTINATION MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE DESIGNATION
Peggy Seigler, Vice President of Sales for the Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) is now one of a select few to have achieved her Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation by the Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI). For more information, visit www.destinationmarketing.org and www.AugustaGA.org.
.................................................................................................................... GDEcD UPDATE
GROUP SALES:
Katie Katie Baasen attended the Alabama/South Central Motorcoach Operators Association Annual Meeting and Marketplace August 2-5 in Mobile, AL. The Alabama Motorcoach Association and the South Central Motorcoach Assn (LA, MS, TX, AR) held their annual meetings together this year as a "relief" effort for supplier members. Tour operators from both state associations met with suppliers in an appointment marketplace as well as education sessions and networking activities.
Katie Baasen will be attending the South Carolina Motorcoach Operators Association Annual Meeting and Marketplace August 24-27 at the Gwinnett Place Marriott. We are happy to have this group come to Georgia! Katie will participate in networking activities, marketplace appointments as well as conducting the Associate seminar during the conference, Group

Tour 101.
Katie Baasen will be attending La Cumbre with the Atlanta CVB September 9-11. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2009, La Cumbre features 450 buyers and 250 exhibitors in the following categories: Leisure, Corporate and MICE in the Latin American market. La Cumbre delivers three consecutive days of networking functions, seminars, and structured business appointments. GDEcD will be participating with Jesus Garcia of the ACVB.
The Georgia Tourism division will again be participating as sponsors of the National Tour Association (NTA) Annual Marketplace and the American Bus Association (ABA) Annual Marketplace. This sponsorship provides us with a booth on the marketplace floor where we will maximize our exposure in this market. Georgia's theme for this year's marketplace is Civil War-Sesquicentennial Commemoration. We will distribute Georgia items, Sesquicentennial and Civil War itineraries, and giveaways commemorating Georgia's role in the war at the booth. Please contact Katie Baasen via email for more information or to participate, kbaasen@georgia.org.
Co-ops are available for state partners:
Kudzu Sponsorship - NTA: $500 and ABA: $350 Peach Sponsorship - NTA: $750 and ABA: $650
Georgia Peach Greet - GDEcD has started a new program for tour companies involving the state's 11 Visitor Information Centers. VICs are the perfect place for a pit stop for tour groups, the state's tourism division is encouraging the group leader to plan a stop with the group, so we can showcase our southern hospitality and say "Hey Y'all". All we need is 48 hours advance notice to prepare special Georgia favors. The tourism division is offering it as an added amenity for a tour operator planning a tour to or through Georgia. This program is in conjunction with the Motorcoach Tracking the VIC staff is currently working on. Thank you to the VIC staff for their efforts on this program. Please contact Katie Baasen at kbaasen@georgia.org for more information.
GDEcD has launched an e-newsletter targeted towards tour operators. "FYI from the Peach State" will be sent quarterly to tour operators around the country. If you have any updates or special offers for the tour market and would like to have the information included in the e-newsletter, please contact Katie Baasen at kbaasen@georgia.org. The next newsletter is scheduled to go out in October.
Gas Card Sponsorship - GDEcD is once again asking each Travel Association to participate in our Tour Operator giveaway program to take place at several of the Motorcoach Association Annual Meetings. We completed this program last year at the GA, AL, SC, NC, VA, MD, FL, and South Central Motorcoach Associations Annual Meetings with much success. The key message is "Your business is good business for Georgia". Please contact Katie Baasen at kbaasen@georgia.org for more information.
CONSUMER SALES:
Southern Women's Show - Birmingham, AL - September 24 - 27, 2009

The Southern Women's Show attracts more than 12,000 women over a 3-day period. These consumer shows target women with give-a-ways and tips on beauty, cooking, fashion, health & well-being, shopping, travel and much more! Consumer Sales Manager Pam Kruseck (pkruseck@georgia.org) will attend.
Louisville Travel Show - Louisville, KY - September 26 - 27, 2009 The 2009 Louisville Travel, Adventure, Culinary Expo attracts more than 15,000 travelers! Consumer Sales Manager Pam Kruseck (pkruseck@georgia.org) will attend.
Southern Women's Show - Orlando, FL - October 8 - 11, 2009 See above for show description. Consumer Sales Manager Pam Kruseck (pkruseck@georgia.org) will attend.
Georgia National Fair - Perry, GA - October 8 - 18, 2009 The annual, state-sponsored Georgia National Fair is Georgia's celebration of its youth, agriculture, and heritage. The Fair has been designated as a 'Top 50 Fair in North America' by Amusement Business magazine. Fairgoers will be treated to one of the state's best family-oriented, entertainment values showcasing education and fun. Consumer Sales Manager Pam Kruseck (pkruseck@georgia.org) will attend.
Southeast ASTA Tradeshow - Atlanta, GA - October 15, 2009 Last year more than 180 Travel Professionals participated in the Southeast ASTA Tradeshow in order to learn more about what destinations have to offer. Clients still want to take vacations but they may need to cut them shorter or explore closer to home. This is an opportunity to let Travel Agents and other Professionals in Georgia know what is in their own backyard! Consumer Sales Manager Pam Kruseck (pkruseck@georgia.org) will attend.
AARP Life@50+ Expo - Las Vegas, NV - October 22 -24, 2009 They are expecting more than 25,000 members and others from all over the United States and abroad to attend the event. The AARP Vegas@50+ event is a great opportunity to collaborate with AARP and to reach the 50+ audience. It is an opportunity to increase Georgia's visibility among baby boomers; a demographic comprising 26 percent of the U.S. population and a driving force in the market place. Consumer Sales Manager Pam Kruseck (pkruseck@georgia.org) will attend.
AAA Carolinas - Charlotte, NC - November 21, 2009 AAA Superbowl of Knowledge is an annual gathering of AAA Carolinas Travel Counselors and staff to learn what new offers are available as well as new things to sell to their members. A lunchtime tradeshow allows Travel Counselors an opportunity to meet with the travel industry and gather information to take back to their offices and pass on to their membership. Consumer Sales Manager Pam Kruseck (pkruseck@georgia.org) will attend.
**Show schedule subject to change**

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER UPDATES:
q Georgia's Visitor Information Centers welcomed 1,251,667 visitors in July 2009, an increase of more than 4 percent since July 2008.
q In July 2009, our Visitor Information Centers had an 8 percent increase in room nights booked. In addition, they had a 9 percent increase in revenue due to these bookings.
GDEcD RESEARCH UPDATES:
q The FY09 Year in Review is now available on www.marketgeorgia.org in the Industry Research section. q In July 2009, calls to 1-800-VISIT GA increased 13.5 percent q Statewide lodging room demand was down 3.9 percent through June 2009 compared to the same period in 2008,
according to Smith Travel Research. Room rates decreased by 3.7 percent to $99.34 through June 2009 compared to the same period in 2008. Occupancy rates averaged 54.9 percent through June 2009, down 7.6 percent from the same period in 2008. q TIA's Travel Price Index: The Travel Price Index for June 2009 reflects a decrease of 7.8 percent year to date. Developed by the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), the Travel Price Index (TPI) measures the seasonally unadjusted inflation rate of the cost of travel away from home in the United States. The TPI is released monthly and is directly comparable to the CPI. For more information, click here. q The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that 3.8 million international visitors traveled to the United States in May 2009, a decrease of 12 percent compared to May 2008. Total visitation in the first five months of 2009 was down 10 percent compared to the same period 2008. In addition, International visitors spent $9.5 billion during the month, 22 percent less than visitors spent in May 2008. May 2009 marks the seventh consecutive month in decreases of international visitors spending. Source: Tourism Industry NEWS - July 28, 2009
.................................................................................................................... STS FALL MEETING 2009: THE CLEAR ROAD TO RECOVERY - SEPTEMBER 9-10 NOMINATIONS
The Southeast Tourism Society's Fall Meeting will be held in our state this year! Governor Sonny Perdue kicks off "The Clear Road to Recovery" while Bernie Marcus, PFK Research and UGA's Economic Growth Center give us their takes on tourism and the upcoming year. In addition, Georgia State University, RitzCarlton, Fleishman-Hillard Atlanta and the Federal Reserve Bank/Atlanta examine hospitality issues. Drive in Wednesday morning, September 9 and be home for dinner Thursday, September 10. For Georgia nonSTS members, a special reduced rate is offered. Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead. www.Southeasttourism.org/fall or 404-3649847.

.................................................................................................................................................................. U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION'S MARKETING OUTLOOK FORUM - OCTOBER 26-28
Is the travel industry on the road to recovery yet? Find out what's on the horizon at the U.S. Travel Association's Marketing Outlook Forum, October 26-28 in Little Rock, AR. The Forum features up-to-date economic forecasts, never-released-before research, the latest marketing trends and outlooks for all sectors. Speakers include Geoff Ramsey of eMarketer, Dallas Cowboys' Owner Jerry Jones, Jon Clifton of The Gallup World Poll and Adam Sacks from Tourism Economics. To help as many attend as possible, the registration fee is $50 less than 2008. Those who register by September 11 will save another $100 and be entered into a drawing to win complimentary Executive Suite accommodations. To register, click here. www.ustravel.org/mof.
........................................................................................................................................... GDEcD GREAT GPS GIVEAWAY SWEEPSTAKES
GDEcD is sponsoring the Great GPS Giveaway sweepstakes. Every month through October 2009, visitors and residents alike are invited to submit their Georgia vacation photos on www.ExploreGeorgia.org. All submitted photos will also be considered for use in state publications and collateral materials, including the state's official 2010 Travel Guide. The submitted photos will be featured on ExploreGeorgia.org, and a new winner will take home the grand prize each month: a brand-new Garmin GPS. Contestants can upload as many photographs as they wish: the more times they enter, the greater their chances of winning. Visit www.ExploreGeorgia.org for full contest rules and entry forms. July 2009 Winner: "Morning Mist"
........................................................................................................................................................................ PRESS RELEASE: DISCOVER CREATIVE GEORGIA
Get to the heart of Georgia's communities through their creative cultures and indigenous arts. Discover the people and places that make communities unique: potters, artists, theatres and galleries that allow visitors to take home a piece of Georgia. For the complete press release, click here.
............................................................................................................................................ TRAVEL TRENDS: STUDY: TRAVEL INTENTIONS OF AMERICANS IMPROVING
The travel intentions of U.S. adults appear to be on the rise according to the latest travel horizons survey, the nationallyrepresentative survey that is co-authored quarterly by Ypartnership and the U.S. Travel Association. Almost two-thirds (63 percent) of U.S. adults expect to take at least one trip for leisure purposes between August 2009 and January, 2010, up from 61 percent who expressed the same intention in July 2008. For the complete study, click here.

............................................................................................................................................ TRAVEL NEWS: DISCOVERAMERICA.COM MARKS 1-YEAR ONLINE
DiscoverAmerica.com is celebrating its first year as the Official Travel and Tourism Website of the United States by announcing a slate of content upgrades, site enhancements and money-saving deals to help travellers plan trips to the USA. For the complete Travel Daily News article, click here.
............................................................................................................................................ TRAVEL NEWS: TRAVEL INDUSTRY CROSSES ITS FINGERS OVER H1N1
As flu season nears, the nation's travel industry is closely watching the H1N1 virus and keeping its fingers crossed. American companies with interests abroad reported H1N1-related losses well into the hundreds of millions of dollars during the second quarter. The losses, led by airlines and hotel companies, were mostly attributed to overseas markets such as Mexico, South America, the Caribbean and Asia. For the complete Atlanta Business Chronicle article, click here.
...................................................................................................................................................................... TRAVEL NEWS: BUSINESS TRAVEL CURBS MAY BE PERMANENT
Reductions in both the number of business trips and the amounts spent on those trips during the recession are likely to be permanent. For the complete Kiplinger article, click here.
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