Athens, Georgia- August 25, 2010 - Over 400 key Georgia tourism industry professionals will convene for the 2010 Governor's Tourism Conference at The Classic Center in Athens on August 29 - September 1. Keynote speakers such as Roger Dow, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, and Horst Schulze, founding president and COO of Ritz-Carlton, will address topical issues on tourism.  Governor Sonny Perdue will address the conference at Wednesday's closing luncheon.  The Governor's Tourism Conference is presented by the Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (GACVB), the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Tourism Development Alliance of Georgia (TDAG).

 

Annually, the Governor's Tourism Conference is recognized as a must-attend event for the tourism industry in Georgia.  Professionals from destination marketing organizations, hotels, attractions, tour and travel and supplier companies will attend the conference to build professional relationships, discover tools and practical solutions and analyze new trends, innovations, and technologies.

 

Monday afternoon's opening session Keynote Speaker will be Horst Schulze, founding president and COO of Ritz-Carlton.  Schulze created one of the most easily recognizable international brands by energizing his organization with a culture of exceptional customer service.  Currently, he is raising hotel standards again with the launch of Solis Hotels and Resorts and Capella Hotels and Resorts from the West Paces Hotel Group.  Named "Corporate Hotelier of the World" by HOTELS magazine, Schulze will talk about how a quality service strategy can successfully build a loyal customer base. 

 

Roger Dow, President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Travel Association (USTA), will be the Keynote speaker at Tuesday's luncheon.  USTA is the national umbrella organization that represents all segments of the $770 billion U.S. travel and tourism industry.   As the public face of USTA, Dow has helped to unify the travel industry, giving it clout and increased effectiveness on Capitol Hill.  Dow will discuss the evolution of the Discover America Partnership and the impact of the Travel Promotion Act and what it means for the tourism industry. He will also address the industry's response to the recent attacks on the value of meetings and business travel- the Meetings Means Business campaign and the Oxford Economic ROI of Business Travel study. Dow brings with him the latest legislative updates and insights on what is happening inside the beltway, as well as policy discussions and decisions that will impact our industry and nation.

 

Governor Sonny Perdue will give the closing address at the Governor's Luncheon & Awards Ceremony on Wednesday.  Perdue has seen success as governor with his reform of Georgia policies.  By reworking the state budget and prioritizing funds, he was able to stimulate the economy and bring hundreds of thousands of new jobs to Georgia.  Perdue will likely talk about how emerging technology and strategy in the tourism industry have greatly aided in the state's economic development and that the annual conference will continue to help it move in the right direction.  

 

In addition to the aforementioned Keynote speakers, a wealth of industry experts will be present at educational workshops and sessions.

 

Throughout the Conference, attendees will experience the local flavor of the host city of Athens, including events and live music at Terrapin Brewery, The Melting Point and nightly entertainment in the Rialto Room at Hotel Indigo.  Other host hotels are the Foundry Park Inn & Spa, Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Inn Express.  A dine-around on Tuesday will put Athens' culinary scene on display as attendees fan out to multiple downtown restaurants.