Georgia tourism monthly e-newsletter, Sept. 2009

September 2009 Issue
In This Issue:
ABA TOP 100 EVENTS FOR 2010 RELEASED CRICKET ELLIOTT OF GWINNETT CVB NAMED SCMA ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR TRAVEL INDUSTRY SPONSORS NEW JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT WORK-READINESS PROGRAM U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION SWINE-FLU TOOLKIT GDEcD SALES TEAM UPDATE GDEcD RESEARCH UPDATE U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION'S MARKETING OUTLOOK FORUM - OCTOBER 26-28 GDEcD GREAT GPS GIVEAWAY SWEEPSTAKES U.S. SENATE PASSES TRAVEL PROMOTION ACT PRESS RELEASE: GEORGIA'S VISITOR INFORMATION CENTERS WIN INTERNATIONAL MARKETING AWARD PRESS RELEASE: GOVERNOR PERDUE HONORS TOURISM LEADERS AT INDUSTRY CONFERENCE TRAVEL NEWS: BUSINESS TRAVEL CAN HELP BOTTOM LINE-US STUDY SAYS TRAVEL NEWS: SENATE CONSIDERS INTERNATIONAL TOURISM BOOST TRAVEL NEWS: U.S. AIRLINES EXPECTED TO FARE BETTER THAN GLOBAL CARRIERS TRAVEL NEWS: HOTEL OCCUPANCY FORECAST

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ABA TOP 100 EVENTS FOR 2010 RELEASED
The American Bus Association (ABA) listed Rock City Gardens-Enchanted Gardens of Light in Lookout Mountain, Ga as one of its annual "Top 100 Events In North America." A key guide for professional travel planners and the general public, the list highlights the top fairs, festivals, parades, exhibits, theater and shows across North America. A 17-member selection committee of tour operators bases its selections on the events' broad appeal, their accessibility to large groups arriving by motorcoach and a variety of other criteria. Studies from the ABA Foundation indicate a single motorcoach group of 55 travelers spending just one night at a destination can infuse that local economy with up to $11,660 in tourism dollars spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes. For the complete list, click here.
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TRAVEL CRICKET ELLIOTT OF GWINNETT CVB NAMED SCMA ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR
Cricket Elliott, Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau (GCVB) Tour and Travel Sales Manager, has been named Associate of the Year for South Carolina Motorcoach Association. Each year the Associate of the Year Award is voted on by all of the Association's Tour Operators. The award is given to the member with the most professional representation and quality service. For more information on South Carolina Motorcoach Association, click here.
........................................................................................................................................................................ TRAVEL INDUSTRY SPONSORS NEW JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT WORK-READINESS PROGRAM
Achievement and the Destination & Travel Foundation, Tauck-Romano Innovative Philanthropy and Shop America Alliance have jointly announced the launch of a new initiative to encourage future job-seekers and entrepreneurs to explore the opportunities available in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry and to examine the impact these professions have on the local and national economies. "This initiative not only encourages the development of business and work-readiness skills, but also teaches students about the strong connection between the travel industry and the local economy," said Sean C. Rush, president and chief executive officer of JA Worldwide. For more information, click here.
................................................................................................................................................................... U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION SWINE-FLU TOOLKIT
The U.S. Travel Association has created a list of links to help you respond to the H1N1 situation. For more information, click here.

.................................................................................................................... GDEcD SALES TEAM UPDATE
GROUP SALES:
Katie Baasen attended the South Carolina Motorcoach Operators Association Annual Meeting and Marketplace August 24-27 at the Gwinnett Place Marriott. Katie participated in networking activities, marketplace appointments as well as conducting the Group Tour 101 seminar during the conference.
Katie Baasen attended La Cumbre with the Atlanta CVB from September 9-11. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2009, La Cumbre featured 450 buyers and 250 exhibitors in the following categories: Leisure, Corporate and MICE in the Latin American market. GDEcD participated with Jesus Garcia of the ACVB.
Katie Baasen and Kevin Langston will be representing GDEcD as part of the Travel South delegation attending Discover American Day in Toronto sponsored by the Visit USA Committee. Travel South will host a luncheon showcasing the southern states and their appeal to the Canadian traveler. GDEcD will participate in scheduled appointments with media representatives, travel agents and tour operators during a marketplace session. Discover America Day - Canada is the only marketplace held in Canada that focuses purely on inbound tourism to the USA.
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.
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**
.................................................................................................................... GDEcD RESEARCH UPDATE
ROI OF BUSINESS TRAVEL REPORT Released on September 15, 2009, new research conducted by leading global research firm Oxford Economics establishes the first clear link between business travel and business growth. For every dollar invested in business travel, businesses experience an average $12.50 in increased revenue and $3.80 in new profits, according to the study. It is the first time that the return on investment of business travel has been successfully measured. For the complete study, click here.
INTERNATIONAL VISITATION TO US DOWN 10 PERCENT IN FIRST HALF OF 2009 Through June, year-to-date international visitation is down 10 percent from the same time period in 2008, according to the U.S. Dept. of Commerce. Spending by international visitors is down 15 percent as compared to the first six months of 2008. Year-to-date Canadian visitation to the U.S. is down 9 percent. Visitation data is publicly released by the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries. For the complete report, click here.

.................................................................................................................... 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.
........................................................................................................................................... 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. September 2009 Winner: "Georgia National Fair Lights"
................................................................................................................................................................... U.S. SENATE PASSES TRAVEL PROMOTION ACT
Recently, the U.S. Senate approved the Travel Promotion Act (TPA) on a vote of 79-19. Under TPA a public-private partnership would be created to promote the United States as a travel destination and to better detail U.S. security and entry policies. For more information, click here.

.................................................................................................................... PRESS RELEASE: GEORGIA'S VISITOR INFORMATION CENTERS WIN INTERNATIONAL MARKETING AWARD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development's (GDEcD) Visitor Information Centers (VICs) were honored with an international marketing award for their tourism partnership promotion program. The National Council of State Tourism Directors (NCSTD) announced the winners of the 2009 Mercury Awards program Sept. 1 at the Travel Industry Association's annual Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO). The Mercury Award honors the best in state tourism office marketing and promotion programs each year. For the complete press release, click here.
.................................................................................................................................................................. PRESS RELEASE: GOVERNOR PERDUE HONORS TOURISM LEADERS AT INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
Governor Sonny Perdue honored several of the state's most dedicated tourism professionals at the 2009 Governor's Conference on Tourism at Lake Lanier Islands Resort yesterday. The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (GACVB) and the Tourism Development Alliance of Georgia (TDAG) hosted the joint tourism industry conference from August 31 - September 2. More than 400 tourism industry professionals from around the state attended the annual conference. For the complete press release, click here.
........................................................................................................................................................................ TRAVEL NEWS: BUSINESS TRAVEL CAN HELP BOTTOM LINE-US STUDY SAYS
Business travel -- often the target for cutbacks by companies seeking to reduce expenses -- actually boosts profits and could help the U.S. economy come back from the recession, a report found Tuesday. Research released by the global research firm Oxford Economics estimated that for every dollar invested in business travel, companies can expect an average $12.50 in increased revenue and $3.80 in new profits. For the complete Forbes.com article, click here.

............................................................................................................................................ TRAVEL NEWS: SENATE CONSIDERS INTERNATIONAL TOURISM BOOST
A bid to boost the number of international tourists in the United States could mean that many of those same visitors will soon pay extra to finance travel promotion campaigns abroad. Under terms of a bill the Senate was to begin debating Tuesday, millions of international visitors would pay a $10 fee to help pay for the work of a new nonprofit corporation. Critics have stuck the corporation with the moniker - "Fannie Travel" - in reference to the troubled government-sponsored enterprises established to provide a stable and affordable housing market. For the complete Associated Press article, click here.
............................................................................................................................................ TRAVEL NEWS: U.S. AIRLINES EXPECTED TO FARE BETTER THAN GLOBAL CARRIERS
U.S. airlines are expected to fare better than most of their foreign counterparts this year because they are trimming unprofitable routes and beefing up balance sheets as the economy begins to rebound. U. S.-based carriers have been cutting capacity since last year in response to surging oil prices, while most European and Asian carriers have been slower to reduce flights or fly smaller aircraft on their routes.In the fourth quarter, domestic capacity is expected to fall to levels unseen since after the Sept. 11 attacks, when airlines saw air travel demand crumble, according to the Air Transport Association. For the complete USA today article, click here.
............................................................................................................................................ TRAVEL NEWS: HOTEL OCCUPANCY FORECAST
Hotel occupancy will likely gain strength in late 2009 and 2010, but profit will remain elusive as hotels continue to use heavily discounted rates to draw in more travelers, according to a revised U.S. lodging forecast from PricewaterhouseCoopers. The revision shows revenue down 16.1 percent in 2009 and flat revenue in 2010, compared with the company's June forecast of a revenue decrease of 15.7 percent in 2009 and a slight increase in 2010 revenue of 1.6 percent. While the occupancy forecast for 2009 is slightly stronger than the company predicted in June, it comes at the expense of room rates. Occupancy is expected to come in at 55.5 percent in 2009, up from the June forecast of 55.1 percent. 2010 occupancy is forecasted at 56.1 percent. For the complete Wall Street Journal article, click here.

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