Welcome to the Peach Byte, the email newsletter from Georgia Tourism! Look for the Peach Byte in your inbox each month with updates on Georgia's tourism industry and news you can use to strengthen your business. Throughout the month, check marketgeorgia.org for resources and information about travel and tourism in the Peach State.

1. Georgia's tourism industry generated record impact of $57.1 billion

   The Georgia Department of Economic Development's Tourism division announced this month that the state's tourism industry generated $57.1 billion in business sales including direct, indirect and induced impact in 2014, up 6.7 percent, according to the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics. The tourism industry employs an estimated 425,000 Georgians statewide. The news was announced during National Travel and Tourism Week, as many communities in Georgia organized events to celebrate the tourism industry in the state. Read all about it!




2. Now available: FY2016 Tourism Product Development Agreement Application

   The Office of Tourism Product Development and the Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) have partnered to offer the Tourism Product Development Agreement (TPD) for FY2016. The TPD program is designed to financially support sustainable tourism development activities at the local level that maintain and/or create jobs, attract tourists, and enhance the tourist's experience. Training sessions will be offered May 26 (online webinar) and May 28 (in-person training in Dublin, Ga.), and applications must be submitted by June 30, 2015, at midnight via e-Grant. Find complete details on marketgeorgia.org.




3. Encourage participation in 2015 Georgia Restaurant Week, July 13-19

   A joint effort between the Georgia Restaurant Association and the Georgia Department of Economic Development Tourism Division, Georgia Restaurant Week will be held July 13-19, 2015. Participating restaurants will offer prix-fixe menus at affordable price points. Encourage your restaurants to participate in this event by completing the Restaurant Participation Agreement Form by June 30, 2015.




4. Bruce Green is retiring... and this time, he means it!

   Join us for a reception in honor of Bruce Green, Director of Product Development, on Monday, May 18 at the Atlanta History Center. For complete details and directions, visit marketgeorgia.org, and contact Beda Johnson (bjohnson@georgia.org) or Cindy Eidson (ceidson@georgia.org) for more information.




5. Radio segments highlight Georgia tourism hotspots

   Radio listeners have been tuning in to WABE 90.1 weekdays at 10 a.m. to learn about Atlanta's vibrant arts and cultural community on the new program "City Lights with Lois Reitzes." Southbound magazine editor Kevin Benefield has been a regular contributor, offering stories about unique things to do and places to see throughout the state. Listen to his recent segments to learn what he's been up to.