Tourism in review [May 2002]

Tourism

May '02 in review . . .

Volume 3 May

... The FY 01 Georgia Tourism Economic Impact study highlighting tourism expenditures in Georgia was released the beginning of May by Davidson Peterson and is now available on line at www.georgiaonmymind.org. Overall, tourists are estimated to have spent over $16 billion in the state in FY 01, which directly supported $3.3 billion in resident wages, 200,000 jobs, and 9,000 businesses. A full copy of the study, broken down by counties, is located under press releases on the web site. (FY 01: July 1, 2000-June 30, 2001)
... The 2002 "Georgia On My Mind" travel guide has tied for second place in the Randall Travel Marketing 2002 Annual 50- State Travel Guide Comparative Study. Released in May, the comprehensive study compared Georgia's 192-page travel guide to the 49 other state travel guides and determined that the "Peach State" ranked second, with a score of 80, tied only with Colorado. The top ranking state, Indiana won the first place ranking by one point, with a score of 81. The 2002 Georgia ranking is a significant improvement over the 2001 ranking when the State placed 49th. For your complimentary copy log on to www.georgiaonmymind.org.
... GDITT and GHTA joined forces to officially kicked off National Tourism Week at the State's largest travel show Stay & See Georgia, May 3-5. Stay & See Georgia was a huge success with an estimated 50,000 people attending the marketing event. Exhibitors from attractions, convention and visitor's bureaus, travel associations, and Georgia destinations all set up displays. Top booth honors were awarded to the Presidential Pathways region and included: First Place Booth Award -- Best of Show, Most Original Booth Award and The Georgia Award. The Second Place Booth Award--Best of Show went to the Dahlonega display, and the Third Place Booth Award-- Best of Show was awarded to the Northeast Georgia Mountains display. The Atlanta Journal Constitution awarded 20 Georgia vacation packages sponsored by GHTA.
... Several of the State's 11Visitor and Information Centers held special activities during National Tourism Week, May 4-12. The social activities were designed to show visitors how much they are appreciated. Guests were treated to food and drinks. The events showcased Georgia's many exciting, unique destinations and the importance of the tourism industry on the State's economy. Georgia is one of the top vacation destinations in the country, with over 43 million annual visitors. The State is also commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Georgia VIC program.

WWW.GEORGIAONMYMIND.ORG

Tourism

May '02 in review . . .

Volume 3 May

... On May 11, the Grand Opening of the Plains Inn and Antique Mall was held on Main Street in Plains. The project was designed to bring history to life and increase tourism. Former US President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, joined forces with the Plains Better Hometown Program Inc. (PBHPI) to develop the Inn and Antiques Mall. Each room is decorated in a different era. Ten fulltime and part-time jobs were created with the opening of the Inn and more are expected. The added rooms and antiques will allow visitors to stay longer in the community and experience firsthand Southern Hospitality.
... The 1870's simulated town Crossroads officially opened at Stone Mountain Park May 25. Dignitaries from the travel and hospitality industry were invited to a special preview of the new area before the ribbon was cut Memorial Day weekend. The park expansion is expected to bring in thousands of visitors and has helped create 300 jobs. The investment in Crossroads is over $100 million and will expand to $325 million over the next 10 years.
... Callaway Gardens and Rock City both celebrated milestone birthdays on May 21st. Rock City in Lookout Mountain turned 70 and Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain turned 50. Rock City has for years shown families the seven states visible from its lookout and Callaway Gardens continues its commitment to preserve its ecological reserve. Both attractions hosted festivities to celebrate. Rock City held a special Founder's Day celebration, May 18-24 to commemorate the grand opening of Rock City in May 1932 and Callaway Gardens will offer guests special anniversary-related activities throughout 2002.
... Hotel /Motel occupancies are up statewide through April 02. The highest revenue gains were in the Colonial Coast region showing a 6.33% or 1.61 million increase and the Southern Rivers region showed a 5.99% increase. Historic South increased from last year by 3.43%.
... Other new attractions and events opened in May:
Opening: spring shows
Wild Adventures Theme Park (Valdosta) Expansion (5 parks in 1) Jobs Created: 500 over 5 years (current peak season is 500)= Total 1000 Investment: $40 million expansion Opened: May 11
Thunder Road (Dawsonville) Jobs Created: 40 Investment: $15 million

WWW.GEORGIAONMYMIND.ORG