Peach byte: monthly newsletter for Georgia tourism, 2017 November

November 2017



It's tough to believe that 2017 is nearly over and the holidays are here already! In this season of giving thanks and gift giving, I'm reminded how grateful I am to work with each of you, who continue to grow our industry by sharing your gifts of hospitality and good cheer with Georgia visitors everyday. Thanks to everyone who attended Governor's Tourism Conference to share your knowledge and experiences with your colleagues, and thanks to our hosts, who graciously accommodated us in rescheduling the event after Hurricane Irma. Soon, expect to receive a survey we would like you to complete to tell us how we're doing and how we can better serve your needs in the new year.
As your thoughts turn to holiday feasts and treats, don't forget to spread the word in your communities to nominate your favorite dishes for the 2018 list of 100 Plates Locals Love. We're hungry for your recommendations and thankful for your ideas!
Top News Items from Georgia Tourism
1. Governor recognizes record-breaking year, presents industry awards at Tourism Conference
On Nov. 2, at the 2017 Georgia Governor's Tourism Conference on Jekyll Island, Gov. Nathan Deal recognized several of the state's top tourism professionals for outstanding marketing campaigns, programs, leadership and accomplishments. "The tourism industry is a vital economic engine for Georgia, as it generated a record-breaking $60.8 billion in economic impact and provided employment for more than 450,000 Georgians last year," said Deal. "Each year, we welcome more and more visitors to Georgia, largely due to the success of dedicated tourism professionals from Blue Ridge to Valdosta, and from Columbus to Savannah. The hard work of these individuals contributes not only to Georgia's ranking as the No. 1 state in which to do business, but helps to solidify our reputation as the No. 1 state to visit and call home." The Governor's Tourism Conference brought together more than 400 tourism industry professionals from across the state Oct. 31-Nov. 2 on Jekyll Island. For more information and the list of award winners, visit MarketGeorgia.org. For photos from the conference, visit http://images.gamarketing.org/res/sites/download and enter download code: 2017GovTC. Mark your calendars for next year's conference, which will be held Aug. 26-29, 2018, in Atlanta.
2. Now Available: 2016 Leisure Visitor Profiles for the state and regions
Produced by D.K. Shifflet & Associates, these latest reports include domestic visitor volume and profile data for travel to Georgia and each of the nine travel regions. Get an inside look at the travel market in Georgia with these reports!
3. Now accepting nominations for 100 Plates Locals Love
Spread the word in your communities! We're searching for local favorite things to eat in Georgia for the 2018 list of 100 Plates Locals Love. Deadline for nominations: Nov. 30, 2017. Look for the final selections to appear in the 2018 Georgia Eats Culinary Guide, available in the spring.
4. Tourism Product Development Resource Team Reports & Grant Opportunities
The Tourism Product Development Team has been busy this year, meeting with communities throughout the state to help discover new opportunities for destinations and events for travelers. Read their findings and recommendations in the Resource Team Reports posted on marketgeorgia.org. You might find some ideas you can implement in your communities, too! Communities that have completed participation in a Tourism Product Development Resource Team are eligible to apply for funding assistance. The next Tourism Product Development Resource Team Grant Round applications are due Thursday, Dec. 7. Click here to find complete information about the grants.
5. Grow your business in 2018 with ExploreGeorgia.org
Put ExploreGeorgia.org to work for you in 2018! Post your deals, events and updated photos and information about your business as soon as you can to grab the attention of travelers as they're hunting for holiday deals and trip ideas. For example, check out this deal for Atlanta Hawks tickets. Offer gift certificates, packages and every good reason for Georgia travelers to make trips to visit you in the new year! Find resources and helpful guides to using the Partner Admin system on marketgeorgia.org.
6. Connect with your colleagues in the Explore Georgia Partners Facebook Group
During Governor's Conference, we launched a Facebook group for Georgia tourism staff and partners to connect, ask questions, and share information. Anyone that works in the tourism industry in Georgia can be a part of this group. Join today, and send a special thanks to Katie Christof for creating this forum for us to stay in touch!
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events
Nov. 17: ExploreGeorgia.org Songwriter Series - Rome Jan. 23: Tourism, Hospitality & Arts Day at the Capitol, Atlanta Feb. 26-28: GACVB Winter Meeting, Dalton
Let's get social! Have a question about Georgia? Need travel advice? Or just feel like getting inspired to plan your vacation? Check us out on the following sites:

Copyright 2017 GA Department of Economic Development, All rights reserved.
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