Peach byte: monthly newsletter for Georgia tourism, 2020 October

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PEACHBYTE October 14, 2020

Reap the Benefits of the Explore Georgia Extranet
The iconic quote from the movie Field of Dreams, "If you build it, they will come," couldn't be more true of the Explore Georgia Partner Extranet. Using the Extranet to build a free listing on ExploreGeorgia.org will bring website referrals and drive visitors to your attractions, lodging, restaurants and events.
From March to September 2020, there were more than 1.3 million referrals to partners on ExploreGeorgia.org. A referral means a click directly to your business' website, phone number, directions, social media, or email. Partner referrals on our website are up more than 76% from the same time frame in 2019. These are qualified travelers being delivered directly to your business, for free. And, that number will only grow as travelers begin to feel safer and start looking for travel inspiration.
We use your listing on ExploreGeorgia.org to inform our marketing efforts, including social media posts, website content, and media pitching. Creating a listing and keeping it updated will help increase your visibility on our website and in all our promotions. For example, we are currently looking to promote safe, seasonal events that follow the Governor's Safety Promise. If you have a pandemicfriendly holiday event, please be sure to update your listing so we can consider it for our upcoming marketing efforts.
Not sure how to begin? We try to make the entire process as easy as possible for you. Use our quick tips and reference guide to create and update your listings. If you need assistance, set up a one-on-one training with our Partner Content Specialist Lori Hennesy.

Updates to Travel Guide Listings
Updates have been made to the Explore Georgia Travel Guide listing criteria. The new standards are easier to understand, clearly outline attractions that qualify, and allow for more partners to be included in the guide. Please review the new criteria, and make sure your listings are updated. If you need
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Explore Georgia - Peachbyte
assistance updating your listing, or if your attraction meets the new criteria but is not currently marked for inclusion in the printed guide, notify Partner Content Specialist Lori Hennesy at lhennesy@georgia.org.
LEARN MORE >
Continuation of the Explore Your Georgia Campaign
In August, we launched the "Explore Your Georgia" campaign with the goal of encouraging residents to stay in-state when they travel. The all-digital campaign targets people who have shown interest in travel, or are actively planning travel, to inspire them to travel in Georgia for their trip. The initial Phase I test was a success and warranted continuation into the fall. For Phase II, we'll continue with a focus on Georgia residents while expanding to include select DMAs throughout central and north Florida. We've seen significant increases in engagement and interest in the state from these Florida markets. Phase II of the campaign will run through the end of October. If successful, and if the health data supports it, the campaign may continue through the end of the year to leverage the anticipated increase in travel during the holiday season.
How to Travel Safely in Georgia
Safety is top of mind for travelers right now. Recent sentiment research from Destinations Analysts and Longwoods International tells us that American travelers are looking for destinations that have COVID-19 protocols in place to keep them safe. For example, 47% of people planning travel are looking for lodging facilities with mask-wearing requirements and/or social distancing policies. Showing travelers they can be safe while they're in our state is critical. Right now, health considerations play an important role in trip planning--from the destination a traveler chooses to the activities they participate in.
Our goal is to help everyone plan a fun, memorable and safe trip to Georgia. To help visitors make informed decisions as they plan their trips, we created the blog, "How to Travel Safely in Georgia," which outlines multiple
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Explore Georgia - Peachbyte
questions or concerns visitors may have. The information can help ease travelers' minds and reassure them that we are working hard to protect their health and safety. If you need safe travel information on your website, feel free to link to the blog or pull language from it. We can all work together to make sure our visitors feel safe and informed when planning their trips to Georgia.
READ SAFETY BLOGS >
Job Opportunity
We're hiring for a Visitor Information Specialist at the Visitor Information Center in St. Marys, GA. If you are want a job that allows you to share your love for Georgia, please apply online here. Apply as soon as possible! Early applicants have a better chance of being selected for an interview.

GEORGIA IN THE NEWS

Below are links to some recent media coverage the Explore Georgia team has secured:

Safety is key to restoring Georgia Tourism amid coronavirus

The Augusta Chronicle

Best spots for fall foliage in the South and Mid-Atlantic

Budget Travel

The future of hybrid events

Convention South

Taking the long way to Darien, Georgia

Florida NewsLeader

Haunted places in Georgia that offer a shivering stay overnight

Narcity

Savannah tourism leader:

Savannah

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Explore Georgia - Peachbyte
Local, state tourism trending towards `recovery plus'

Morning News

Tourism commissioner:

Savannah

Georgia on the `hearts and minds' of would-be visitors Morning News

The 12 best day trips in the US Southeast

Lonely Planet

Are you brave enough to spend the night in these reallife haunted houses?

Lonely Planet

Join Us on Facebook
For more news and updates about the Georgia tourism industry, join the Explore Georgia Partners Facebook group.
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This page is part of the electronic travel newsletter program brought to you by Georgia Department of Economic Development, 75 Fifth Street N.W., Suite 1200, Atlanta, GA 30308 2020, GDEcD. All Rights Reserved. All other marks belong to their respective owners. All materials Copyright 2020 by ExploreGeorgia.org
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