1) 2007 YEAR IN REVIEW POSTED ON MARKETGEORGIA.ORG
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The Georgia Department of Economic Development, Tourism Division has posted the 2007 Year in Review on www.marketgeorgia.org under Industry Research. It has some interesting research information, as well as recapping of some of the industry's impressive accomplishments in 2007.
Highlights of the 2007 Year in Review includean overview of travel trends and interesting travel statistics. It also has information on some of the major initiatives, projects and accomplishments of your Tourism Division. To view the document, visit www.marketgeorgia.org and click on the industry research link.
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2) EXPLOREGEORGIA.ORG PHASE II UPDATE: PARTNER ADMIN SYSTEM FREEZE
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GDEcD is working hard to get phase II of the new tourism consumer website www.ExploreGeorgia.org launched by our March 31 deadline. Since much of the work is going on behind the scenes reworking the partner listing and partner administration sections of the site, we will need all tourism partners to stop making edits using the current partner admin system located on Georgia.org THIS FRIDAY (March 7). We will begin the migration of the partner database to our new servers on Monday, March 10, 2008. This means that any edits made after Friday, March 7, 2008 will not be initially transferred to the new site. The partner interface will be down for nine days. Partners will be able to access existing partner accounts using the new and improved interface on Wednesday, March 19, 2008. Important dates for phase II of ExploreGeorgia.org are outlined below.
Phase II Launch - PARTNER MILESTONES:
3/7/08: Partners stop using old system currently located at
3/19/08: Partner will be able access their current listings using the new partner interface - NO NEW LISTINGS CAN BE CREATED AT THIS TIME
3/20/08: Phase II internal launch for ExploreGeorgia.org - Internal/Industry review process begins
3/31/08: Official launch for ExploreGeorgia.org
4/1/08: Online media campaign begins
4/15/08: Fully functional partner admin launched
If you have any questions or comments regarding the phase II launch for www.ExploreGeorgia.org, please contact Jim Robertson at [email protected] or 404-962-4063.
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3) E-CHALLENGE GRANT BEING OFFERED TO TECHNO TOURISM CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS - REGISTER TODAY!
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Stop. Click www.areg.caes.uga.edu and register right away for the 2008 Techno Tourism Conference April 14 and 15 at The Classic Center in Athens. Registrations are rolling in quickly. The website has the conference agenda, information on hotel accommodations at the Hilton Garden Inn and the Foundry Park Inn and Spa, exhibitor and sponsor opportunities.
Remember the Podcasting Boot Camps have limited seating (40 per session) and seats will be assigned on a first come first serve basis for these hands on sessions where participants create a podcast and learn how to publish it in iTunes stores and on their websites. If you are interested in sharing your newest technology marketing projects at the networking portion of the conference - Peer-to-Peer Speed Dating - please contact [email protected] . New projects that resulted from information learned at last year's technology conference or funded with 2007 E-Challenge Grant funds are encouraged and welcomed!
The 2008 E-Challenge Grant will be made available at the conference. Only conference registrants will be eligible to apply for this grant. Applications will be distributed at the conference complete with criteria and deadline dates.
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4) GEORGIA TOURISM RESEARCH UPDATE - NEW RESEARCH AVAILABLE
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Part of the Tourism Division renewed commitment to research is to get a better understanding of the interest and demographics of the individuals attending the consumer travel show the state is currently targeting. GDEcD research specialist, Carole Picket was on hand at the Southern Woman's Show in Savannah in February. Hundreds of surveys were collected and analyzed. Visit www.marketgeorgia.org and click "industry research" for the entire report.
The first issue of the Georgia Tourism Research Newsletter is also available. This monthly report includes a variety of Georgia and National travel indicators. This information is also available on www.marketgeorgia.org under "industry research."
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5) GEORGIA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER'S GEORGIA ON MY MIND DAYS BEGIN IN APRIL
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Georgia's Visitor Information Center Program works to promote travel and tourism to and within Georgia. Georgia On My Mind (GOMM) Days, are celebrated by the tourism industry and communities to increase the awareness and celebrate travel and tourism's economic impact to the State.
During these annual events the community, tourism partners, and local law enforcement are able to showcase to our visitors the southern hospitality Georgia is known for. Please join us as a partner or just stop by and attend any of the events.
2008 GOMM day, locations and hours:
Augusta Visitor Center July 18, 2008 - 10am-2pm
Columbus Visitor Center June 6, 2008 - 11am-3pm
Kingsland Visitor Center May 16, 2008 - 11am-2pm
Lavonia Visitor Center May 23, 2008 - 10am-2pm
Plains Visitor Center June 7, 2008 - 8:30am-12noon (Fishing Tournament)
Ringgold Visitor Center May 9, 2008 - 11am-2pm
Savannah Visitor Center May 30, 2008 - 11am-2pm
Sylvania Visitor Center April 17, 2008 - 10am-2pm
Tallapoosa Visitor Center May 30, 2008 - 10am-2pm
Valdosta Visitor Center April 4, 2008 - 10am-2pm
West Point Visitor Center May 23, 2008 - 10am-2pm
For more information how you can participate in GOMM Days, please stop by one of our 11 Visitor Information Centers or contact Jeffery Tatum, Director of Visitor Information Services, 404-962-4079, or [email protected].
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6) THIS WEEK ON GEORGIA TRAVELER: "SCENIC MOUNTAIN HIGHWAYS"
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On this week's episode of Georgia Traveler, we're exploring "Scenic Mountain Highways" U.S. 76 and 19, Georgia 180 and 75. David gets away to the Smithgall Woods Conservation Area near Helen and Keely hikes a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Our tallest talent meets Georgia's tallest point when Phil visits the legendary Brasstown Bald. Keely finds down home food at Mary Ann's Country Kitchen in Young Harris and the trio has family fun at the Georgia Mountain Fair in Hiawassee.
Georgia Traveler's "Scenic Mountain Highways" will air on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 7 p.m.
For more information, our website is currently under some construction and redesign, but can be found at: www.gpb.org/georgiatraveler or e-mail [email protected].
Georgia Traveler is produced in partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Tourism Foundation.
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7) ONLINE LEARNING PROGRAM PROVIDES TRAININGFOR BRUNSWICK-GOLDEN ISLES HOSPITALITY EMPLOYEES
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A new, free online training program is providing a fun and easy way for local hospitality employees to learn about Brunswick & The Golden Isles. The eLearning program, introduced by the Brunswick-Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau, is among the first of its kind in the U.S., according to Bill Tipton, executive director of the Brunswick-Golden Isles CVB.
Though designed primarily for local hotel and restaurant employees, the basic program also has the potential for international marketing and education, pending further development. ELearning is a multifaceted educational program that incorporates courses and activities on four key subject areas: History and Heritage, Nature and Outdoors, Food and Shopping, and Events and Attractions. Short training modules use a broad range of interactive media including animations, sound and videos. The modules are designed to provide an engaging, informative and fun learning experience.
After successfully completing all four quizzes, the user will receive a certificate and lapel pin that identifies him or her as a "Destination Ambassador." |
8) THREE GEORGIA NON-PROFITS WILL RECEIVE MULTI-YEAR PARTNER IN THE FIELD GRANTS
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The National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced that 24 organizations nationally have been selected as recipients of the inaugural, multi-year Partner in the Field grants. Funds will be used to expand the scope of on-the-ground field services and assistance to property owners, developers, local officials, and others needing information and tools to protect and enhance their communities.
Three non-profit groups in Georgia will receive grants:
Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, $140,000, to preserve more historic buildings, houses and structures throughout Georgia and use preservation field services as a catalyst for economic development.
Historic Augusta, Inc., $120,000, to provide expanded field services in the Greater Augusta area that incorporates preservation into community planning and development.
Historic Savannah Foundation, $90,000, to work with city government to bring preservation field services and technical expertise to underserved, threatened historic residential neighborhoods.
Partners in the Field challenge grants are funded by a $5 million gift to the National Trust for Historic Preservation from the Robert W. Wilson Charitable Trust and matched by significant contributions from local donors and foundations.
For more information visit www.PreservationNation.org or www.nthp.org.
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9) $2 MILLION IN RECREATIONAL TRAILS GRANTS ANNOUNCED BY DNR
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The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently awarded more than $2 million in Recreational Trails Program grants to 17 government agencies. The grants will assist with the construction and maintenance of trails and trailheads throughout the state.
Grant recipients include:
Augusta Canal Authority
Bulloch County
Camden County Public Service Authority
City of Cartersville
Cherokee County
City of Cornelia
DNR's Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah DNR's Red Top Mountain State Park, Cartersville City of Fort Oglethorpe Gwinnett County City of Kennesaw City of Lyons Peach County City of Remerton Stephens County City of Swainsboro USDA Forest Service, Conasauga District
This year's projects were selected because they met goals set forth by the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, a document that outlines trends, priorities and elements for success in providing outdoor recreation for future generations of Georgians. The SCORP document can be found on www.GeorgiaStateParks.org. For more information about the Recreational Trails Program, contact Bryan Alexander, DNR's Grants Coordinator, at 404-656-2770. |
10) 25TH ANNUAL NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK: DISCOVER GREAT AMERICAN TRADITIONS
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The Travel Industry Association (TIA) announces the selection of "Discover Great American Traditions" as the theme for the 25th annual National Tourism Week, to be held May 10-18.
The silver anniversary theme encourages travel to American locales and highlights the role that tourism plays in discovering the icons of a destination.
"From baseball games and Broadway shows to 'The Great American Road Trip,' our collective memories are filled with places and activities traditionally associated with travel," said Roger J. Dow, President and CEO of TIA. "For our 25th celebration of National Tourism Week, TIA is presenting cities and states with a theme and resources to help them interpret and celebrate the defining assets of their destinations."
TIA expects to have refreshed resources, including a National Tourism Week logo and updated industry facts and figures, available for use in February. For more information, go to www.tia.org/NTW.
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11) ATLANTASTARTSHERE.ORG WINS SILVER ADDY AWARD
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A coalition of historic attractions and tourist destinations in Southeast Atlanta, Atlanta Starts Here (ASH), has received a silver ADDY Award for its website, atlantastartshere.org.
The members of Atlanta Starts Here (ASH) are: Atlanta Cyclorama, Atlanta Preservation Center, Georgia Capitol Museum, Historic L.P. Grant Park/Grant Park Conservancy, Historic Oakland Cemetery/Historic Oakland Foundation, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, Turner Field/Ivan Allen Jr. Braves Museum and Zoo Atlanta.
The eight organizations came together to explore opportunities for cross-marketing and to grow awareness of the many things to do and see in Southeast Atlanta. The group's first effort resulted in an eight-panel brochure and corresponding website. Visit www.atlantastartshere.org to learn more about what to do and see in Southeast Atlanta.
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12) MACON'S CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL CONTINUES TO WIN AWARDS
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Macon Georgia's Cherry Blossom Festival was awarded "Best Festival or Event" at the Southeast Festival and Events conference held in Greenville South Carolina last weekend. This award is highly significant because it means the festival literally swept this category in 3 separate awards competitions. Macon's Cherry Blossom Festival won the Pinnacle Award at the International Festival and Events Association conference in September which means that the festival is the "Best Festival in the World" in the budget category of $750,000 to $1.5 million.
At the Southeast Tourism conference in Lake Charles, Louisiana last September, the festival was awarded the Shining Example which is given to the "Best Festival or Event" within the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia & West Virginia.
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13) GDECD MARKETING TEAM WELCOMES NEW MEMBER
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We are excited to announce that the GDEcD Marketing and Communications Team has added it newest member Haley Pass.
Haley joins us as our Marketing Operations Manager and, as Charlie says, her primary responsibility will be to "keep the trains running on time!" Her job will be to manage and coordinate projects with the Communications, Creative Services, and Web teams as well as our partners throughout the agency.
She comes to GDEcD from Shaw Industries, where she worked as the Marketing and PR Coordinator with major clients of the flooring manufacturer. Prior to Shaw, Haley worked for Initiative Media as a Direct Response media buyer and at WMVG/WKZR in Milledgeville as a reporter. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia (where she was part of The Redcoat Band), with a Bachelor's in Journalism and is currently working on her Masters in Public Administration.
She has truly hit the ground running and as a result has met many of you, for those of you who haven't met her, feel free to say hello at [email protected].
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14) CALL FOR NEW EXHIBITS - THE SOUTHERN ARTS FEDERATION
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The Southern Arts Federation is looking for a pre-existing exhibit to add to the Southern Visions: The Southern Arts & Culture Traveling Exhibits roster! For submission requirements and the Exhibit Submission Form, visit www.southarts.org/site/c.guIYLaMRJxE/b.3931887/.
Applications must be postmarked by May 1, 2008. For more information, please contact Teresa Hollingsworth at 404-874-7244 Ext 14 or [email protected].
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15) 2008 ATLANTA FILM FESTIVAL TO OPEN WITH SCREENING OF THE LENA BAKER STORY
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The much-anticipated Atlanta Film Festival (April 10-19, 2008) will open on Thursday, April 10, 2008 with World Premiere of THE LENA BAKER STORY, the debut film by producer, writer, and director Ralph Wilcox, starring Tichinia Arnold, Beverly Todd, Peter Coyote, and Michael Rooker.
The film is based upon Dr. Lena Bond Phillips' 1998 book of the same title-the work credited with re-opening the case which ultimately led to Baker's posthumous pardon in 2005, undoing sixty years later, the damage done in the six hour trial. Passes and Opening Night tickets go on sale on March 3rd at www.AtlantaFILMFestival.com.
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16) TRAVEL TREND: MINI-MOONS REPLACING TRADITIONAL HONEYMOONS
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A mini-moon is sort of a quickie honeymoon, taken when newlyweds put off their major honeymoon trip and go off on a short getaway instead. It can even be a pre-wedding trip to give the couple a break from the pressures of wedding planning. That kind of thing has been done for years, but now it's got a name and it's becoming a more common element of modern weddings. Typically, said Millie Martini Bratten, editor-in-chief of "Brides" magazine, mini-moons are taken within driving distance or a short flight from the wedding site, to an inn, a spa or major hotel. Just because a mini-moon trip is short doesn't mean it's skimpy. To find out more, visit http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/story/408659.html. |
17) TRAVEL TREND: DOES MONEY MATTER?
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If you had plenty of money, would you travel all over the globe - or just regularly return to a couple of favorite places? The U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA) wondered about that, too. So they asked a research organization, TNS Research, to do a phone survey of 1,000 people in May 2007. Contrary to popular belief, the more affluent someone is, the more likely they are to return to a favored destination. The survey revealed that increased income correlates with the desire to repeat favorite vacation spots. Thirty percent of households earning $50,000 to $99,000 also preferred returning to favorite destinations, but that number dropped to less than 20 percent for those earning $35,000 or less. To find out more, visit http://www.wheretogonext.com/2007-10-18_wtgn.html?date=2007-10-18.
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18) TRAVEL TREND: BOOM FOR BUDGET BEDS WORLDWIDE
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First it was the airlines, now it's the turn of hotels to take the budget concept into the mainstream. Demand is surging for cheaper hotel rooms, not just from thrifty tourists but also from business travelers in search of value. And budget brands are responding to the demand with ambitious expansion plans. To find out more, visit http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/01/29/budgethotel.boom/index.html.
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19) TRAVEL TREND: HOTELS GET SERIOUS ABOUT SMOKING
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Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Going Smokeless - Sheraton Hotels & Resorts and Four Points by Sheraton Hotel brands will ban smoking at more than 300 hotels and resorts throughout the U.S., Caribbean and Canada. The new policy follows one implemented at Westin Hotels & Resorts, which became smoke-free in 2006. Westin and Sheraton are both owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Some 8,000 rooms at the hotels will be cleaned, including treatments for air conditioning, walls, rugs, upholstery and hard surfaces. Smoking will also be banned in public areas in the hotels but there will be a designated outdoor area at each property for guests who smoke. To find out more, visit http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2008-02-12-shearaton-smokeless_N.htm.
Swiss�tel Chicago Puts a Bounty on Smokers' Butts - The Swiss�tel Chicago is serious about snuffing out guestroom smoking. So serious that it has adopted a novel approach: paying staffers a $10 bounty for each guest they find breaking the rules. Illinois banned smoking in restaurants and bars and other public places Jan. 1. Though lodgings still can offer smoking rooms, Swiss�tel Chicago general manager Jack Breisacher says he decided the hotel - which just underwent a spiffy renovation - should be smoke-free. "One person having one cigarette is really a big deal," he says. "It costs about $500" to thoroughly clean a room, he adds, including washing walls and sending drapes, sheers, blankets, dust ruffles, pillow shams, duvets and covers out for dry cleaning and scouring the carpet. A room is out of service for two days or more during cleaning. To find out more, visit http://www.usatoday.com/travel/hotels/2008-02-15-swissotel-chicago_N.htm.
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20) SALES UPDATE: LEISURE SALES UPCOMING CO-OP OPPORTUNITIES
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Atlanta Travel Expo
April 11 - 13, 2008
Atlanta, GA (Cobb Galleria)
Co-op Program:
Brochure Distribution Fee: $700/6 partner maximum - please provide either promotional items or bags for collateral. If you are sending bags please include your brochure in them. The co-op fee for the brochure distribution allows each partner to send one brochure for display at the show.
*Shipping of materials, lodging, meals and transportation will be the responsibility of each Georgia partner. GDEcD will coordinate registration and booth space.
This brand new event is being launched to provide an interactive forum for thousands of Atlanta travelers and the travel community to directly interface with destinations, tourism boards and travel packagers from around the world. The Atlanta Travel Expo will provide Atlantans a unique opportunity to gather information about travel destinations spanning the globe as well as providing an opportunity for them to purchase their next vacation. Atlanta is an affluent, diverse, booming city and one of the U.S.'s most active travel markets: Hartsfield-Jackson International is the No. 1 "Busiest Airport in the World", serving more than 83.6 million passengers a year, 61% of Atlanta travelers plan 5+ day vacations in 3 months or less. The Atlanta Travel Expo will be promoted with a multi media promotional campaign that's supported by Atlanta's leading newspaper, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reaching more than 1.6 million leisure travelers each Sunday and more than 1.2 million who travel three or more times per year for leisure.
Tour de Georgia
April 21 - 27, 2008
Co-op Program:
Delegate Registration Fee: $200 per stage/4 partner maximum - please provide one item for gift basket drawing. If you want to do more than three stages please call me for pricing.
Brochure Distribution Fee: $550 for all stages/6 partner maximum - please provide either promotional items or bags for collateral. If you are sending bags please have your brochure in them. The co-op fee for the brochure distribution allows each partner to send one brochure for display at the show.
Regional Travel Association Fee: $400/1 regional brochure displayed - please provide either promotional items or bags for collateral. If you are sending bags please have your brochure in them.
*There is a maximum of four individual partners working the show booth per day
*Shipping of materials, lodging, meals and transportation will be the responsibility of each Georgia partner. GDEcD will coordinate registration and booth space.
Tour de Georgia is North America's premier, professional cycling event and rolling festival. The 6th annual edition is now the highest ranked cycling stage race. Proceeds from the event benefit the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare, a statewide network of people and organizations working together to fight cancer. |
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