January 2016                                                                               Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter   
Here we go! January is off to a strong start. I am very pleased that the tourism advocacy effort housed at the Georgia Chamber is in place in time to support our industry through the legislative session that kicked off this week. The Georgia Travel Association will be a terrific ally to help us in our collective efforts to protect and grow our industry. Please plan to join us for as many of the events associated with Tourism, Hospitality and Arts Day at the Capitol as you can.  Here is all the information you need to get plugged in. I hope to see you there!
Kevin

Top News Items from Georgia Tourism

  1. Updated Agenda for Tourism, Hospitality and Arts Day at the Capitol
    On Jan. 25-26, 2016, in Atlanta, we will celebrate Tourism, Hospitality and Arts with members of the Georgia legislature. A number of activities have been added to the days' events, including a GACVB Legislative Update Session and a ribbon cutting event for the new Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Welcome Center. Review the full agenda, RSVP and reserve your hotel room today!

  2. NEW Procedures for Tourism Product Development Resource Teams and Project Funding
    In an effort to further tourism product development within the state, the Office of Tourism Product Development has revised its procedures for conducting resource teams and for offering project funding assistance. Review the new program information on the TPD Resource Teams and read about the new funding process.  On Jan. 26, 2016, a Q and A Session about the new funding process will be offered at GDEcD offices. This session is ONLY for communities that have previously participated in a TPD Team. RSVP to [email protected].

  3. Register to attend the 2016 Regional Visitor Information Center Workshop
    Online registration is open for the 2016 Regional Visitor Information Center (RVIC) workshop to be held at Lanier Islands Resort March 28-30, 2016. Tourism professionals from Georgia's Visitor Information Centers (VICs) and RVICs are invited to explore ways to work together to promote the State of Georgia, be involved in best practice sessions and engage in networking opportunities, and learn about tools available for little or no cost to market and promote your destination. Register for $125 by Feb. 29.

  4. Columbia County to host 2016 Georgia Travel Media Marketplace
    Columbia County has been selected by the Georgia Department of Economic Development to be the host community for the 2016 Georgia Travel Media Marketplace. The event, which is held annually in partnership with the Georgia Tourism Division, brings travel writers from the United States and Canada to meet with representatives from around the state to learn about the state's tourism destinations, attractions and events. Read more about the event, which will take place April 18-24, 2016.

  5. Pasaquan featured in CNN List
    Great news! As a result of a media pitch from Communications Specialist Emily Murray, Pasaquan in Buena Vista is featured on CNN's list of the "16 intriguing things to see and do in the U.S. in 2016." Click here to check it out!

  6. Georgia Tourism staff spotlight: Barry Brown, Heritage Tourism Specialist
    Everyone knows that Barry is the author of "Crossroads of Conflict," the definitive guide to Georgia's activities throughout the Civil War, but "What," you ask, "is Barry working on now?" We're using Barry's tremendous skill set on Tourism Product Development Resource Teams and on interesting projects involving historic, geologic and meteoric finds around the state. The breadth of his knowledge base continues to amaze. He and his curious son, Brandon, enjoy hanging out, even when Dad drags him to another historical site. Tell Barry Happy New Year at [email protected].


Mark your calendar for these upcoming tourism events
  1. Jan. 25-26:  2016 Tourism, Hospitality and Arts Day at the Capitol events
  2. Feb. 28-March 2:  GACVB Winter Meeting in Columbus
  3. March 28-30:  2016 RVIC Workshop at Lanier Islands Resort.
  4. April 18-24:  2016 Travel Media Marketplace

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