Peach byte: monthly newsletter for Georgia tourism, 2017 December

December 2017



As 2017 draws to a close, here's hoping you're all finding time to celebrate the holidays with family, friends and colleagues. We've had quite a year, from opening a new visitor center in Savannah to helping travelers discover our many film locations to weathering Hurricane Irma and an unexpected snowstorm! While technology, consumer behavior and Mother Nature continue to impact the tourism industry, Georgia's experiences and Southern hospitality are resonating in record numbers with travelers from all over the world. From information specialists to sales managers and marketing directors to CEOs, each of you plays an integral part in shaping and promoting Georgia as an inviting, welcoming destination. Your teamwork and leadership efforts make our industry stronger every year, and on behalf of all of us at Georgia Tourism, we are looking forward to further building our successes in 2018! Warmest wishes to you and yours for a wonderful holiday season.


Top News Items from Georgia Tourism
1. Make plans for Tourism, Hospitality & Arts Day at the Capitol Jan. 22-23, 2018
Plan to join your colleagues and representatives in Atlanta Jan. 22-23, 2018, for Tourism, Hospitality & Arts Day at the Capitol. A full lineup of activities is planned, including a Social Media Campaign Session and Co-op Media Vendor Presentations, A Celebration of Georgia Tourism presented by Atlanta Magazine Custom Media, Georgia Travel Association State of Tourism Breakfast, presentation and meetings at the Georgia State Capitol, and 2018 Georgia Travel Guide Distribution. Preview the agenda on marketgeorgia.org, and RSVP today!
2. Going on now: 12 Days of Explore Georgia Giveaways
This week, Explore Georgia kicked off the 12 Days of Explore Georgia Giveaways on social media. Nearly 80 people will win prizes, including one lucky winner who will receive a weekend getaway to the King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort on St. Simons Island! Follow Explore Georgia on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see the promotion, and encourage your fans to enter to win!
3. In the News: U.S. Civil Rights Trail
Recently, The New York Times published an article about the soon-to-launch U.S. Civil Rights Trail, which includes 11 sites in Georgia. Read about the trail project, organized by Travel South USA, which is set to launch in January!
4. RVIC News: Nominate Your Colleagues for the Commissioner's Award
Georgia's Regional Visitor Information Center program annually presents the Commissioner's Award to recognize an individual who works tirelessly in promoting the power of tourism. Candidates for the award must be nominated by another RVIC. Nominations are due Jan. 31, 2018. Find complete instructions at georgiarvic.com, and nominate your colleagues for their outstanding work today!
5. Post your 2018 deals on exploregeorgia.org
Put exploregeorgia.org to work for you in 2018! Before you know it, visitors will be planning their trips to Georgia for Spring Break, summer vacations, the 2019 Super Bowl in Atlanta and much more. Post your deals, events, and updated photos and information about your business as soon as you can, so you can 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
Join your colleagues on Facebook in the Explore Georgia Partners Facebook group! It's a place for Georgia tourism staff and partners to connect, ask questions, and share information. Anyone who works in the tourism industry in Georgia can be a part of this group. Join today, and send a special thanks to Katie Christof (kchristof@georgia.org) for creating this forum for us to stay in touch!

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events

Jan. 23: Jan. 23: Feb. 26-28: Mar. 4-5: Apr. 18-20:

Tourism Hospitality & Arts Day at the Capitol, Atlanta 2018 State of Tourism Breakfast, College Football Hall of Fame, Atlanta GACVB Winter Meeting, Dalton Winter Chautauqua, Clayton RVIC Conference, Statesboro

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: