Georgia tourism industry e-newsletter, Nov. 2016

November 2016



The holidays are here again, and as we gather with friends and family to give thanks for all of the gifts we have received this year, I'd like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of you for your tireless efforts and dedication to growing and supporting tourism in our great state. Last month's experience with Hurricane Matthew showed what a strong and cooperative network we have in Georgia and that visitors can rely on us to help with any need, whether in good times or bad. Thank you for the dedication you demonstrated during the storm and for your continuing efforts to make Georgia a place that travelers will want to return year after year. Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season!

Top News Items from Georgia Tourism
1. Now available: Georgia Tourism FY17 Directory of Services Formerly known as the "The Green Book," the Georgia Tourism FY17 Directory of Services is your guide to all things Georgia Tourism! Download this resource as a quick reference to staff contacts, trade show calendar, media programs, and more.
2. Now available: 2015 Travel and Tourism in Georgia FAQs What is the economic impact of tourism in Georgia? How many travelers visit Georgia, and where do they come from? How healthy is the hotel industry in Georgia? Find answers to those questions and more in this go-to guide for the most current travel and tourism industry performance information for Georgia. Contact Research Director Andria Godfrey at agodfrey@georgia.org with any questions.
3. Case study: Tourism team's creativity builds on Pasaquan's restoration Pasaquan, a unique art environment in Buena Vista, reopened to the public in October after an extensive restoration and is drawing worldwide attention. Marion County is welcoming new visitors to the community, helping them enjoy their trip to the site and extend their stays in the region. Read about Marion County, Ga.'s collaborative efforts with neighboring communities and the state to spur tourism as a result of the Pasaquan project.
4. Cartersville-Bartow County to host the 2017 Travel Media Marketplace Thirty select travel writers from the United States and Canada will converge in CartersvilleBartow County on April 20 - 23, 2017 to explore the historic town's Smithsonian Affiliate museums, world-class sporting developments and resorts, plus one-of-a-kind attractions. Participating travel writers will have the opportunity to meet with tourism industry representatives from around the state during the marketplace before embarking on one of three familiarization tours around the state through April 25.
5. The ExploreGeorgia.org Songwriter Series - don't miss it! With only one more show to go, the ExploreGeorgia.org Songwriter Series is wrapping up the yearlong celebration of Georgia music. Showcasing songwriters in intimate performances, each show has been unique, unpredictable and exciting. Plan to check out the final show in the series Dec. 2 at the Douglass Theatre in Macon. See who's playing on MarketGeorgia.org.
6. Don't delay! Capture holiday business by promoting your destination on ExploreGeorgia.org Travelers are searching for things to do over the holidays and beyond. Don't delay! Make sure everyone can find your holiday and winter events and deals by posting them on ExploreGeorgia.org. Find helpful resources, including the Explore Georgia FY17 Content Calendar on MarketGeorgia.org.
7. Georgia Tourism staff spotlight: Jeanne Boteler Jeanne Boteler, the new manager at the Lavonia Visitor Information Center, celebrates her third anniversary at the VIC this month. She believes the Georgia experience begins when guests arrive at our visitor centers, and she loves engaging with visitors to help make their stop at the center memorable and fun while sharing information so they can have an unforgettable trip to our state. A fan of camping, classic movies and The Walking Dead, Jeanne lives in Hart County with her husband, Doug, and their furry four-legged son, Scooter. Congratulate Jeanne on her anniversary and her new position at the VIC by sending her an email at jboteler@georgia.org!
Mark your calendar for these upcoming tourism events
1. Nov. 28-Dec. 1: Travel South USA International Showcase, Atlanta 2. Dec. 2: ExploreGeorgia.org Songwriter Series at Historic Douglass Theatre
in Macon 3. Jan. 23-24: Tourism Hospitality and Arts Day at the Capitol, Atlanta

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