Georgia tourism industry e-newsletter [May 2017]

May 2017



With the height of summer travel season just a few weeks away, I'm excited to share the news that Georgia is breaking records with our growth in tourism. We have such a tremendous wealth and variety of destinations for visitors to experience, and it's encouraging to see the data reflect that more people are learning about them and seeing for themselves what makes Georgia such a special place. I'm also grateful for all of you who work tirelessly to make sure our visitors enjoy their time here. We are a world-class destination, and as we continue to spread the word around the world about the amazing places around the state, you are the ones who prove our message every day with every visitor.
Thank you for all you do to make Georgia a fantastic place to visit, live and work. Here's to a great summer!

Top News Items from Georgia Tourism
1. Georgia's tourism industry impact breaks record Last week, the Georgia Department of Economic Development announced that the state's tourism industry generated a record-breaking $61.1 billion in business sales including direct, indirect and induced impact in 2016, up 3.5 percent, according to the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics. Georgia's total tourism demand now stands 34 percent higher than its pre-recession level in 2008. Visitor spending generated more than $3.2 billion in state and local tax revenue in Georgia. Read all about it on MarketGeorgia.org.
2. Georgia Restaurant Week returns July 17-23, 2017 The third annual Georgia Restaurant Week, brought to you by the Georgia Restaurant Association and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, aims to highlight the various dining options that are available to consumers throughout Georgia. The deadline to sign-up to participate is Friday, June 2. Download the participation packet on MarketGeorgia.org and find out more at georgiarestaurantweek.com.
3. Explore Georgia's Media Room - Put it to work for you! Let us help you tell the world about your attractions, events and new tourism offerings! The new Explore Georgia media room features press releases from around the state announcing the latest and greatest reasons to visit Georgia. See what your colleagues have been up to, and send your releases to Emily Murray at emurray@georgia.org to add them to the site.
4. Social media: Best practice guides for the major platforms Looking for some pointers on using social media to promote your business and events to Georgia travelers? Download Explore Georgia's best practice guides for Facebook (advertising, video, 360), Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest and more. Contact Katie Christof (kchristof@georgia.org) and Parker Whidby (pwhidby@georgia.org) with any questions, or to invite them to present at your next meeting!
5. Don't delay! Capture summer and fall business by promoting your destination on ExploreGeorgia.org Travelers are making their final plans for summer and looking ahead to fall events and things to do in Georgia. Don't delay! Make sure everyone can find your events and deals by posting them on ExploreGeorgia.org. Find helpful resources, including the Explore Georgia FY17 Content Calendar on MarketGeorgia.org.
6. Georgia Tourism staff spotlight: Ann Perry Ann Perry at the Sylvania Visitor Information Center is retiring this month! Ann started as a part-timer with the department in 1997, then became full-time in August 2002. Ann currently serves as Georgia Tourism's statewide collateral fulfillment coordinator and is the point-person for 800-VISITGA. Congratulations to Ann! Her last day with the department is May 31. Send her a note to wish her well in retirement at aperry@georgia.org!

Mark your calendar for these upcoming tourism events
1. May 14-19: Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College, Dahlonega 2. May 26: Georgia on My Mind Day - Lavonia VIC 3. June 2: Georgia on My Mind Day - Tallapoosa VIC 4. June 9: Georgia on My Mind Day - Columbus VIC 5. Sept. 10-13: Georgia Governor's Tourism Conference, Jekyll Island

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: