January 2009 Issue
In This Issue:
GEORGIA MADE GEORGIA GROWN PRODUCTS WEBSITE LIVE GDEcD's MONTHLY REPORTS GDEcD's RESEARCH UPDATE GDEcD'S SALES TEAM UPDATE MAKE YOUR EXPLOREGEORGIA.ORG LISTING STAND OUT 2009 WINTER CHAUTAUQUA TOURISM CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS OPEN NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION NAMES ATHENS TO ITS 2009 LIST OF AMERICA'S DOZEN DISTINCTIVE DESTINATIONS STS MARKETING COLLEGE - REGISTRATION IS OPEN NAIA FOOTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GIVES BOOST TO ROME NOMINATE AMERICA'S COOLEST SMALL TOWNS SOUTHERN LIVING'S 2008 READERS' CHOICE AWARDS PRESS RELEASE: GEORGIA'S ROMANTIC GETAWAYS PRESS RELEASE: GEORGIA'S UNIQUE DRIVING TRAILS REVEAL RICH HERITAGE AND BOUNDLESS ADVENTURE

PRESS RELEASE: GEORGIA'S MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS FOR 2009 PRESS RELEASE: STATE LAUNCHES GROUND-BREAKING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM FOR CREATIVE INDUSTRY TRAVEL TRENDS: YPARTNERSHIP PREDICTS 2009 TRAVEL TRENDS TRAVEL TRENDS: IN HARD TIMES, AMERICANS DON'T LOSE THEIR LUST FOR TRAVEL TRAVEL TRENDS: HOTEL EXPERTS SPLIT ON ECONOMIC RECOVERY TRAVEL TRENDS: TWO SURVEYS FIND CONSUMERS ACTIVE IN TRAVEL MARKET
........................................................................................................................................ Georgia Made Georgia Grown Products Website Available
More than 800 Georgia-based artisans, theaters, crafters, agritourism venues, festival planners and others are registered on www.gamadegagrown.org. The Creative Economies website was created to market and promote Georgia Made Georgia Grown Products connecting buyers and sellers, corporations and corporate suppliers, locals and visitors to Georgia's creative small businesses. Visit www.gamadegagrown.org to find one-of-a-kind gifts that are Georgia Made Georgia Grown.
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GDEcD's MONTHLY REPORTS
You can now find monthly reports from GDEcD's international representatives in the UK and Germany on www.MarketGeorgia.org in the monthly regional reports section.

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GDEcD's RESEARCH UPDATE
GDEcD's Monthly Research Newsletter is available at www.marketgeorgia.org in the industry research section. The report features a variety of Georgia and national travel indicators.
In addition, the tourism division recently acquired the contents of Georgia Tech's Tourism Research Library. The books and journals are currently being organized and sorted by our research team. The files will be available at no cost to industry partners through your regional tourism representative. More information will be available shortly.
.................................................................................................. GDEcD'S SALES TEAM UPDATE:
Group Sales:
Motor Coach Tracking - The Visitor Information Center (VIC) program has partnered Katie Baasen, Group Sales Manager, to start a motor coach tracking program in Georgia. Each time a motorcoach group stops at one of the VICs, we are asking them to fill out a form requesting basic information. One of the questions asked is if they would like to receive more information for group travel opportunities in Georgia. Katie Baasen will follow up on these requests with GA information, just as if attending a travel show. We will also be sharing this prospect list with our state partners. This list will be distributed monthly through your Regional Tourism Representatives. This is not an all inclusive list, it is only the motorcoach groups who ask for more information and does not include those who travel to the VIC after hours.
The 2009 Tennessee Motorcoach Operators Association Convention and Marketplace will be held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at the Music Road Hotel and Convention Center February 1-5, 2009. GDEcD will attend this meeting and take business appointments with TN tour operators and charter bus services.
Consumer Sales Shows:
Southern Women's Show in Savannah, GA - February 6 - 8, 2009 - The Southern Women's Show attracts more than 28,000 women over a 4-day period. This consumer shows target women with

give-a-ways, tips on beauty, cooking, fashion, health & well-being, shopping, travel and much more! Please contact Pam Kruseck, Consumer Sales Manager, for information on the co-op programs via email at pkruseck@georgia.org.
AAA Travel Marketplace - Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts - March 2008 - AAA New England Travel will target 12,000 vacation-seeking leisure travelers and travel agents from Boston, Providence, Worcester and Cape Cod to attend a three day tradeshow with suppliers from various destinations. Information about the show is included in the AAA Club publication, Horizons, which is mailed out to 1.2 million households. Please contact Pam Kruseck, Consumer Sales Manager, for information on the co-op programs via email at pkruseck@georgia.org.
.......................................................................................................................................... MAKE YOUR EXPLOREGEORGIA.ORG LISTING STAND OUT
This month, we've changed the way that search results are displayed on ExploreGeorgia.org. Starting January 30, we're now taking into account listing quality when ranking search results. This new "Most Relevant" search ranking provides site visitors with a great user experience, and it also lets you have some control in how highly your listing ranks in search results! We've provided some tips for making your ExploreGeorgia.org listing stand out:
Upload a Logo/Default Photo: There's nothing more important to the quality of your listing than having your logo (or a small photo) uploaded to represent your listing. These images appear on the search result page and help site visitors identify your listing and entice them to learn more.
Upload More Photos: Now that we've updated the photo gallery page for your listings, it's more important than ever to upload photos of your listing. The more photos you upload, the more opportunities you have to market your attraction/lodging to site visitors.
Have a Great Summary and Description: Your summary gives visitors a quick snapshot of your listing, and should be written to make you stand out in the crowd. You only have 300 characters, so make your words count. Point out a couple of exciting features of your listing. The description is your chance to really market your listing. Take this chance to tell visitors about all of the great features that make your attraction or lodging unique!
Callaway Gardens does a great job of this:

Callaway Gardens - Enjoy this 13,000-acre award-winning resort and gardens with butterflies and raptors in flight, golf, fishing, dining, lodging, spa, trails, exhibits and workshops.
Taking these simple steps will help your listing stand out (and show up higher in search results), and that means more exposure and marketing for your listing to the more than 40,000 people that visit exploregeorgia.org each month.
........................................................................................................................................ 2009 WINTER CHAUTAUQUA TOURISM CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
The 19th Annual Winter Chautauqua conference will be held March 1- 2, 2009 in Dalton. The event is organized and cosponsored by the Historic High Country and Northeast Georgia Mountains Travel Associations. For more information, visit at www.WinterChautauqua.com.
........................................................................................................................................ NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION NAMES ATHENS TO ITS 2009 LIST OF AMERICA'S DOZEN DISTINCTIVE DESTINATIONS
The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Athens one of its 2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually selected communities across the United States that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and commitment to historic preservation, the selected destinations boast

a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place. Athens is the first Georgia destination to receive this prestigious national designation since 2004, when Macon made the list. For more information, visit www.PreservationNation. org.
.................................................................................................. STS MARKETING COLLEGE - REGISTRATION IS OPEN
STS Marketing College will take place Sunday, July 26 through Friday, July 31, 2009 in Dahlonega. It will be another intensive, fact-filled week of learning, networking and socializing at North Georgia College and State University. For more information, visit www.southeasttourism.org.
.................................................................................................. NAIA FOOTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GIVES BOOST TO ROME
The Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) determined the economic impact of the 2008 NAIA Football National Championship Week was $1,545,000. The economic impact figure includes lodging and additional daily expenditures of event participants while they were visiting Rome. According to the GRCVB's unofficial survey to hospitality related businesses and the downtown merchants, many experienced an influx of shoppers dressed in purple Shoppers even asked for the location of shipping businesses to send their treasures home. The survey overall was positive with an increase in sales and foot traffic over the same week last year. For more information, visit www. romegeorgia.org.

.................................................................................................. NOMINATE AMERICA'S COOLEST SMALL TOWNS
Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel magazine invites you to nominate America's Coolest Small Towns by clicking here. The town must have a population under 10,000 and be on the upswing. Voting begins February 2.
.......................................................................................................................................... SOUTHERN LIVING'S 2008 READERS' CHOICE AWARDS
On The January 2009 issue of Southern Living magazine featured the winners of the 2008 Readers' Choice Awards. Georgia had nine winners within the 15 categories. Congratulations to all the attractions, restaurants and communities who were recognized. Voting is now open for the 2009 Readers' Choice Awards. Click here to view the complete list of winners.

.................................................................................................................. PRESS RELEASE: GEORGIA'S ROMANTIC GETAWAYS
Filled to the brim with romantic destinations, resorts and special events, Georgia will keep sweethearts feeling just peachy. Taking a weekend to explore the state's romantic getaways is a sure way to set sparks flying. Click for full Press Release.
.......................................................................................................................................... PRESS RELEASE:GEORGIA'S UNIQUE DRIVING TRAILS REVEAL RICH HERITAGE AND BOUNDLESS ADVENTURE
Georgia's driving trails have something for everyone: natural beauty, compelling history, exciting attractions and outdoor adventures. Take the scenic route and discover something unexpected through fun, educational and one-of-a-kind experiences. Here are just a few of Georgia's themed driving trails offering routes that reach every corner of the state. Click for full Press Release.

........................................................................................................................................ PRESS RELEASE:GEORGIA'S MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS FOR 2009
Each year brings new experiences waiting to be discovered, and Georgia has something for everyone. From the growth of one of the world's rarest and most endangered species to theater grand openings, final showings of spectacular exhibits to international music festivals, here are a few of Georgia's must-see attractions, events, exhibits and destinations for 2009. Click for full Press Release.
PRESS RELEASE: STATE LAUNCHES GROUND-BREAKING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM FOR CREATIVE INDUSTRY
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Tourism Foundation announced the launch of www.GaMadeGaGrownProducts.org, a detailed creative industries database that is the first-ever statewide economic development strategy of its kind. It is the best way to search for Georgia's arts-centric businesses: from handmade jewelry to local festivals, pick-your-own farms to performers. This growing directory will connect buyers and sellers, corporations and corporate suppliers, locals and visitors to Georgia's cultural assets and creative small businesses. Click here for full Press Release.

........................................................................................................................................ TRAVEL TRENDS: YPARTNERSHIP PREDICTS 2009 TRAVEL TRENDS
While marketers of travel services may gladly bid adieu to 2008, the year ahead promises to be equally challenging as competition for travelers heightens, according to Peter Yesawich, president and CEO of Ypartnership. According to research conducted by Ypartnership, the travel intentions of Americans remain robust with 71% of active travel households planning at least one overnight trip during the next 6 months, the same as one year ago. "Our most recent tracking surveys reveal there is still plenty of demand for travel services in the marketplace for those who are aggressive and clever enough to capture it," says Yesawich. Click to read the complete article.
........................................................................................................................................ TRAVEL TRENDS: IN HARD TIMES, AMERICANS DON'T LOSE THEIR LUST FOR TRAVEL
In a survey by CheapTickets.com and SmartMoney.com, people ranked travel second only to dining out as the leisure activity they are trying to afford. While two-thirds of those surveyed say they will lower their travel expenses, they're more likely to cut back on other areas first, including cars, clothes, electronics and gadgets. To save money, those surveyed plan to book a packaged vacation, comparison shop on the Internet or stay fewer nights at their destination. Click here to find out more.
........................................................................................................................................ TRAVEL TRENDS: HOTEL EXPERTS SPLIT ON ECONOMIC RECOVERY
A survey of more than 3,000 past and current delegates of the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) conference this week revealed a split decision on predictions for an economic upswing in 2009. A significant portion of the ALIS delegates have a reasonably optimistic outlook for the hotel investment community as 2009 begins. Survey results show more than half of respondents (53 percent) feel the economic situation for the hotel industry will turn around in 2009, with the majority anticipating this turn in the third or fourth quarter. Less than half (47 percent) of respondents believe the hotel industry will continue to struggle until at least 2010. Click here to find out more.

........................................................................................................................................ TRAVEL TRENDS: TWO SURVEYS FIND CONSUMERS ACTIVE IN TRAVEL MARKET
Consumers are still active in the marketplace, especially those determined to travel this year, according to surveys released last week. Passport Online Inc. is reporting a significant uptick in consumer product views on agency Web sites in January from December. Google/Compete reported that consumers are determined to travel this year and that they are "researching with a passion" because they know there are good deals on the market and they are determined to get them. Because of their concerns about the economy, budget is top of mind among online travel consumers, according to the travel execs at both Google and Compete Inc. And because consumers are searching hard for the best deals, they are increasing the number of retail travel sites they visit. Click here to find out more.
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