Peach byte: monthly newsletter for Georgia tourism, 2018 May

May 2018



To kick off last week's annual celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week, Governor Deal released Georgia's preliminary 2017 Economic Impact numbers. They showed that travel and tourism-related economic impact rose 3.8 percent to $63.1 billion, and tourismrelated employment was up 2.1 percent to 460,000 jobs. These numbers highlight the incredibly important part that our industry plays in our overall state economy. As we head into the crucial summer travel season, making sure that we continue to stoke that economic engine is important. Thank you for the part you play!


Top News Items from Georgia Tourism

1. Deal: Georgia's 2017 Tourism Breaks Records
Last week, Gov. Nathan Deal announced that the state's tourism industry generated a record-breaking $63.1 billion in economic impact in 2017, for an increase of 3.8 percent over last year, according to the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics. In 2017, visitor spending in Georgia generated more than $3.3 billion in state and local tax revenue. According to the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics, Georgia's total tourism demand is 39 percent higher than its pre-recession level in 2008. For the full story and related fact sheet, visit MarketGeorgia.org.
2. Now accepting TPD Resource Team Grant Funding Requests
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 by June 28 at 5 p.m. Find complete information about the grants on marketgeorgia.org.
3. Host the 2019 Governor's Tourism Conference
The Georgia Governor's Tourism Conference is currently seeking bids to host the 2019 conference. The meeting is usually held in August/September each year. All bids must be received by May 31, 2018. Review the meeting space requirements, meeting and booking history, meal requirements and host CVB responsibilities on georgiagtc.com.
4. Apply to Host the Smithsonian's Museum on Main Street 2019-2020
Through a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, Georgia Humanities hosts Museum on Main Street, a program that provides small and rural communities access to Smithsonian traveling exhibitions. Communities host the exhibitions and organize accompanying programs. "Crossroads: Change in Rural America" will be traveling throughout Georgia in 2019 and 2020. Check the Georgia Humanities website for application information. Deadline: May 31, 2018.
5. The "New" Facebook
Facebook is changing all the time. Download this PowerPoint deck to see what's been happening so you can keep up and stay ahead of the algorithm. And, join the Explore Georgia Partners Facebook group to stay in touch with your colleagues across the state.
6. Join Us for Georgia On My Mind Days at Georgia's Visitor Information Centers this Summer
Summer is a prime time to meet visitors at Georgia's Visitor Information Centers (VICs)! Our VICs are often the first impression travelers have of Georgia, and you can help make a great impression at the seven remaining Georgia On My Mind Days this year. Share your unique story with visitors, and inspire them to experience even more of Georgia. These events are a great opportunity to showcase your hotel, attraction or tourism product for FREE! Download the calendar, and contact the VICs directly to participate.

Georgia On My Mind Days

May 25:

Lavonia (I-85 S) - RSVP by May 19th

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)

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events

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

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: