1. Implemented a new way of searching, so that no matter what page you're on, you will be able to access search for all types of listings (attractions, lodgings, events and activities)
2. When you type in a search term, the search results will default to the attractions search, but on the left side of the screen, you'll see a filter that shows the number of search results for each of the categories above.  You can then click on a different category (lodging, for example), and search will reload to show you those results
3. Breadcrumbing has also been addressed, so that when you are on a lodging page, then click in the breadcrumb link, it will take you back to the correct search filter results.

Trip Ideas:

1. Trip ideas is the new name for Experiences, which now have been re-worked to accommodate additional categories and trips (previously could only have 5 per category).
2. They are now much easier to update and we'll plan to add more trip ideas throughout the upcoming year.
3. We currently have 64 trip ideas on the site. This has been a significant effort to get the additional listings into the trip idea to build an itinerary, and to locate all of the photos.
4. The list has been reworked to add additional items to make the trip ideas an itinerary of things to do, and places to stay (also places to eat, where appropriate).  All listings previously sent are included in this.
5. Within the new trip ideas, you can add the trip idea to your itinerary, and it will automatically pull in all of the listings associated with that trip idea.

Trip Planner:

1. Trip Planner is the new name for GaTE. It now fully incorporates a 'shopping cart' functionality into the exploregeorgia.org site.
2. With the trip planner, you can add any listing or trip idea to your itinerary from the page you're on, or you can go to the main trip planner page and search and add from there as well.  This includes adding from the listing page (attractions, lodgings, and events can all be added), as well as from the search results page.
3. You can create, print and even email your trip plan to a friend before you are required to save your trip list.

• Bricks & Mortar Development - 136
• Soft Product development, packaging, regional & special interest initiatives - 161
• Regional marketing projects and plans, Co-Op development - 247 
• Regional and GDEcD collateral development - 184
• Providing information, developing & conducting fam tours for media - 311
• Regional Sales initiatives and assistance to the sales team - 193 
• Outreach to travel industry partners - 998
• Public presentations given and training taken - 317
• Assistance given to partners re GDEcD web site - 5,355

Katie Baasen attended the Georgia Motorcoach Operators Association's (GMOA) Annual Marketplace in Athens from July 18-21.  43 representatives from twenty tour companies registered for the conference.  Several companies brought group leaders to meet with suppliers during individual appointments.  In November 2001, GMOA was established to organize bus owners and operators in Georgia enabling them to have a collective voice in promoting bus transportation.  GDEcD's Katie Baasen was appointed an Associate Representative to the GMOA Board of Directors during the meeting.

 
Katie Baasen will be attending the Alabama/South Central Motorcoach Operators Association Annual Meeting and Marketplace in Mobile, AL from August 2 - 5.  The Alabama Motorcoach Association and the South Central chapter (LA, MS, TX and AR) are holding their annual meetings together this year as a "relief" effort for supplier members.  Tour operators from both state associations will meet with suppliers during appointments at marketplace, attend education sessions and networking events. 

 
Georgia Peach Greet - GDEcD has started a new program for tour companies involving the state's 11 Visitor Information Centers.  VICs are the perfect place for a pit stop for tour groups, the state's tourism division is encouraging the group leader to plan a stop with the group, so we can showcase our southern hospitality and say "Hey Ya'll".  All we need is 48 hours advance notice to prepare special Georgia favors. The tourism division is offering it as an added amenity for a tour operator planning a tour to or through Georgia.  This program is in conjunction with the Motorcoach Tracking the VIC staff is currently working on.  Thank you to the VIC staff for their efforts on this program.  Please contact Katie Baasen at kbaasen@georgia.org for more information.
 
GDEcD has launched an e-newsletter targeted towards tour operators. "FYI from the Peach State" will be sent quarterly to tour operators around the country.  If you have any updates or special offers for the tour market and would like to have the information included in the e-newsletter, please contact Katie Baasen at kbaasen@georgia.org. The next newsletter is scheduled to go out in October.

Gas Card Sponsorship - GDEcD is once again asking each Travel Association to participate in our Tour Operator giveaway program to take place at several of the Motorcoach Association Annual Meetings.  We completed this program last year at the GA, AL, SC, NC, VA, MD, FL, and South Central Motorcoach Associations Annual Meetings with much success.  The key message is "Your business is good business for Georgia".  Please contact Katie Baasen at kbaasen@georgia.org for more information.

Southern Women's Show - Birmingham, AL - September 24 - 27, 2009
The Southern Women's Show attracts more than 12,000 women over a 3-day period.  These consumer shows target women with give-a-ways and tips on beauty, cooking, fashion, health & well-being, shopping, travel and much more! Consumer Sales Manager Pam Kruseck (pkruseck@georgia.org) will attend.
 
Louisville Travel Show - Louisville, KY - September 26 - 27, 2009
They are expecting more than 25,000 members and others from all over the United States and abroad to attend the event.  The AARP Vegas@50+ event is a great opportunity to collaborate with AARP and to reach the 50+ audience. It is an opportunity to increase Georgia's visibility among baby boomers; a demographic comprising 26 percent of the U.S. population and a driving force in the market place. Consumer Sales Manager Pam Kruseck (pkruseck@georgia.org) will attend.
 
Southern Women's Show - Orlando, FL - October 8 - 11, 2009
See above for show description. Consumer Sales Manager Pam Kruseck (pkruseck@georgia.org) will attend.
 
Georgia National Fair - Perry, GA - October 8 - 18, 2009
The annual, state-sponsored Georgia National Fair is Georgia's celebration of its youth, agriculture, and heritage. The Fair has been designated as a 'Top 50 Fair in North America' by Amusement Business magazine. Fairgoers will be treated to one of the state's best family-oriented, entertainment values showcasing education and fun.  Consumer Sales Manager Pam Kruseck (pkruseck@georgia.org) will attend.
 
Southeast ASTA Tradeshow - Atlanta, GA - October 15, 2009
Last year more than 180 Travel Professionals participated in the Southeast ASTA Tradeshow in order to learn more about what destinations have to offer.  Clients still want to take vacations but they may need to cut them shorter or explore closer to home.  This is an opportunity to let Travel Agents and other Professionals in Georgia know what is in their own backyard!  Consumer Sales Manager Pam Kruseck (pkruseck@georgia.org) will attend.
 
AARP Life@50+ Expo - Las Vegas, NV - October 22 -24, 2009
See above for show description. Consumer Sales Manager Pam Kruseck (pkruseck@georgia.org) will attend.
 
AAA Carolinas - Charlotte, NC - November 21, 2009
AAA Superbowl of Knowledge is an annual gathering of AAA Carolinas Travel Counselors and staff to learn what new offers are available as well as new things to sell to their members.  A lunchtime tradeshow allows Travel Counselors an opportunity to meet with the travel industry and gather information to take back to their offices and pass on to their membership. Consumer Sales Manager Pam Kruseck (pkruseck@georgia.org) will attend.

 

     **Show schedule subject to change**