Tourism in review [Aug. 2002]

Tourism

August '02 in review . . .

Volume 6 August

... Several GDITT Atlanta staff members and regional representatives joined other tourism industry professionals from around the southeast to attend the 11th Annual Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College in Dahlonega, Georgia. The week long annual conference focused on marketing basics and the unique aspect of marketing specifically to tourists from the destination perspective. Tourism professionals who attend the STS College for three years graduate with a tourism professional certification and a host of marketing contacts throughout the Southeast.
... On August 22, GDITT Sales Manager Laurie Rowe (left photo) and GDITT Media Relations Manager Trish Croll (right photo) represented the State at an Atlanta CVB Round Table discussion, along with media representatives and other travel and hospitality industry professionals. The purpose was to discuss how the travel, convention, and tourism industries were affected since the events of 9/11 and what plans are in place to increase business in the future. The overall message the State conveyed was that tourism room rates are up in most parts of Georgia and in the areas they are not, a focus is being placed to help increase tourism to these regions.
... Early indicators show Georgia's Getaways promotion, which began in June, was a success. A conversion study on Georgia's Getaways campaign is currently underway through Longwoods International, Inc. Response to the campaign will be measured and results will be available in October. However overall internal fulfillment tracking numbers indicate significant increases in requests for travel information about Georgia. June 2002 requests were 20,859; a 229% increase over June 2001's 6,333 requests. July 2002 requests were 9,633; a 50% increase over July 2001's 6,430.
... Response to GDITT's 2002-2003 Tourism Marketing Co-Op Program was overwhelming with a total of 83 applications, requesting $1.46 million in funding! Applications are currently under review and will be scored by a third-party panel of industry professionals. Announcements will be released in late September. Awards will be based on the application's score.
... GDITT's "Drive and See Georgia" promotion began in August. Through WSTR Star 94 radio in Atlanta and Gwinnett Place Honda, the State is participating in a special radio promotion valued at $45,000 in free media for tourism. Many thanks to those who participated by offering a free getaway trip or other promotional items. GDITT looks forward to creating similar partnerships throughout the year.
... The new Georgia On My Mind Golf Guide is close to completion. This will be the first guide of its kind in two years. It will contain information and contacts for all of Georgia's hot golf destinations. Ad sales for the guide are open until September 13. Distribution of the guide will begin in late December. GDITT will also promote Georgia golfing destinations at 12 national golf shows starting in January 2003. For more information about the golf guide or golf shows please contact Jeannie Buttrum at csgarep@mindspring.com or 706-667-4944.
WWW.GEORGIAONMYMIND.ORG

Tourism

August '02 in review . . .

Volume 6 August

... The 2003 and 2004 Governor's Conference Bid forms are in. Bids were received from:Americus, Athens, Augusta, Brunswick & the Golden Isles, Southern Pines Conference Center at Callaway Gardens, University of Georgia- Tifton Campus, and Statesboro.
Bids will be reviewed by a selection panel and GDITT will announce the results by the end of September.
... The Brochure Room is operational and GDITT is looking for participants. This program enables tourism partners to reach out to prospects with their own brochures and have the State mail them at a very reasonable rate. The public can access the Brochure Room on the GDITT website, and customize their order of brochures. Customers will see a listing of available brochures, select what they want, supply their mailing information, and our fulfillment operation will send out the requested brochure(s) along with our Travel Guide and standard fulfillment packet. For more information contact Nerissa at 404-656-3553.
... Tourism representatives with Colonial Coast Travel Association traveled to New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to participate in a sales mission promoting travel to Georgia. The mission was directed at group tour operations and travel agents. Approximately 120 pre-scheduled appointments were made. Sales efforts also included participation at two GLAMER shows in the N.Y./N.J. area, with approximately 200 group leaders.

- Visitor Center News-
... On August 28, the statewide Eleventh Annual "HANDS ACROSS THE BORDER" promotion was held at Georgia Visitor Centers. The UGA Cooperative Extension Service Occupant Safety Program and the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety conducted the event, which involved all branches of law enforcement from Georgia and surrounding states. The goal was to promote safety on the roadways from state to state.
... The Plains Visitor Center received long awaited news that the Department of Transportation has placed additional road signage directing visitors to their location. The signs were placed on U.S. Hwy. 280 West and U.S. Hwy. 45 North and South.
... The Valdosta Visitor Center received a facelift in August. New brochure racks, photos and a little bit of paint goes a long way. The Valdosta Center is the second busiest center in the state, with over 3 million visitors annually.

WWW.GEORGIAONMYMIND.ORG