Peach byte: monthly newsletter for Georgia tourism, 2018 April

April 2018



Spring is in full swing! I hope you had a chance to catch some of the media coverage this week about the new Footsteps of MLK, Jr. Trail. This important new trail helps visitors find inspiration by experiencing places where history was made -- from Atlanta Metro to Midway and many places in between. Coupled with the new U.S. Civil Rights Trail, Georgia's civil rights history is seeing reinvigorated interest both here in the U.S. and abroad.
We are setting off next week to leverage that heightened interest through our spring media blitz, trekking to Asheville, Charlotte and Raleigh, followed by Nashville and Chattanooga, reinforcing our print, broadcast, digital and social campaigns in those markets. The blitz gives us a chance to talk about Georgia's prominent place in our nation's civil rights struggle, but also to talk about all the other new and exciting developments in Georgia's tourism industry. Thank you all for your part in Georgia's diverse, exciting and ever-expanding tourism economy!

Top News Items from Georgia Tourism
1. Georgia announces Footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Trail
On Monday, April 9, Georgia Tourism announced a new trail, Georgia's Footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Trail, created in partnership with The King Center. The self-guided tour includes 28 sites across the state, and aims to memorialize and connect travelers with Georgia's role in the civil rights movement through engaging and educational travel experiences. Read more about the trail on MarketGeorgia.org and find out how to view each spot on ExploreGeorgia.org.
2. Now accepting TPD Resource Team Grant Funding Requests
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Office of Tourism Product Development (TPD) offers project funding assistance for communities that have completed participation in a Tourism Product Development Resource Team. Cities, counties and projects that have completed a TPD Resource Team are eligible to apply. Review complete details and send in applications by June 28, 2018, at 5 p.m.
3. FY19 Traditional Advertising Co-op Opportunities
For fiscal year 2018, Georgia Tourism has negotiated competitive pricing for a selection of valued media vendors. These programs, which run from July 2018 to June 2019, include print publications such as Atlanta Magazine and Garden & Gun, broadcast partners such as GPB and The Excursion television program, and digital solutions such as Hulu and Orange142. For a full list of co-op offerings, visit MarketGeorgia.org/programs. If you have questions, contact Graham Sweeney at gsweeney@georgia.org or (404) 962-4012.
4. The RVIC Conference is next week April 18-20 in Statesboro!
More than a meeting, the annual RVIC Conference, April 18-20, 2018, in Statesboro, is a valuable investment into the professional development of tourism professionals, and a can't-miss annual reunion with colleagues and friends. Review the agenda, and prepare for a terrific conference in Statesboro!.
5. Contacts & Notes from 2018 Travel South Showcase
In March, Georgia participated in the Travel South Domestic Showcase in Biloxi, Miss., where more than 500 tourism professionals gathered for intensive meetings with a goal of delivering more visitors, spending more time and more money in the South. Senior Communications Specialist Emily Murray met with journalists to share story ideas from Georgia, and Domestic Business Development Manager Lacey Cameron met with tour operators to share itinerary ideas and gather information about their interests. Download the notes from Emily's appointments, and contact the writers if you have story ideas that meet their needs. Download the notes from Lacey's appointments to follow up with tour operators who are interested in booking group trips to Georgia.
6. Reminder: Update your summer deals and events on ExploreGeorgia.org
Spring is here, and summer is just around the corner. Attract more visitors this summer by posting your deals and events to ExploreGeorgia.org! Are you planning any special promotions or packages to help travelers cool off, relax and have fun in the sun? Tell them about it by updating your listing on ExploreGeorgia.org today!

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events

Apr. 18-20:

RVIC Conference, Statesboro

May 6-12:

National Travel and Tourism Week

June 24-29:

STS Marketing College, Dahlonega

Aug. 11-14:

ESTO, Phoenix

Aug. 26-29:

Georgia Governor's Tourism Conference, Atlanta

Oct. 31-Nov. 4: Midwest Travel Journalists Association Fall Conference, DeKalb County

Georgia On My Mind Days

Apr. 27:

Sylvania (Hwy.301)

May 11:

St. Marys (1-95 N) - RSVP by May 4

May 25:

Lavonia (I-85 S)

June1::

Tallapoosa (1-20 E)

June 2:

Plains (Hwy. 280)

June 8:

Columbus (I-185)

June 22:

Ringgold (I-75 S)

June 29:

West Point (I85 N)

July 13:

Augusta (I-20 W)

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:

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