April 2016                                                                               Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter   
Spring seems finally to have sprung! I hope you are taking the opportunity to get out and experience some of Georgia's gorgeous gardens. I also hope you've had a chance to check out the new Pretty.Sweet integrated campaign that is running in several drive markets (see the story below for links to the TV spots). You'll notice that the music plays a big role in the spots. We were very excited to work with Georgia recording artist Novel on the music for the TV spots. His charismatic interpretation of the song lays the perfect foundation for the amazing imagery that Craig Miller produced for us. And Andria has a terrific research program in place to measure the results as they occur - including deep analysis that will help us determine exactly what type of travelers are converting, from which markets, and even how much they are spending. It will be a fantastic resource for us as we fine tune the campaign for next year and can concentrate the campaign in our highest ROI markets. Finally, PLEASE SHARE the Georgia Music Backstage Pass post on your social media platforms (info below)!  We are seeing great pick-up so far, but you can help us reach an even bigger market by sharing it with your friends and encouraging them to share it as well. Hope your April is amazing!!

Kevin
 

Top News Items from Georgia Tourism

  1. Georgia Tourism launches new television campaign 
    For the first time in almost 10 years, two new TV spots are currently running in multiple drive markets in the Southeast through May 2016. The new television spots showcase the beauty of Georgia and the many destinations that create a unique experience for visitors. Read more about the campaign, and watch the television spots on Explore Georgia's YouTube channel.

  2. Georgia Tourism is searching for the world's biggest Georgia music fan!
    Online voting opens Monday, April 18 for the #GeorgiaMusic Backstage Pass contest. Die-hard music fans have been posting photos to @ExploreGeorgia on Instagram telling why they love Georgia Music. Five finalists will be selected, and the public will be able to vote on who should win the grand prize eight-day trip through Georgia. Full details can be found at http://bit.ly/1ZQG9ku.

  3. Deadline Extended! Apply for a scholarship to attend Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College
    Send in your application by April 20 for a full scholarship to STS Marketing College! Any tourism marketing professional working in the state of Georgia can apply for the scholarship to attend the three-year educational program, held on the campus of North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega. This year, classes will be held May 15-20. Read more about the scholarship, and complete the application today!.

  4. Georgia Tourism awards funding to 13 new projects
    Last month, The Georgia Department of Economic Development's (GDEcD) Tourism division announced that it has awarded more than $55,000 in product development agreements to 13 new and expanding tourism projects across the state. The inaugural grants were awarded to communities who have participated in the department's Tourism Product Development Resource Team program. See the list of recipients and find more information about the next round of funding on marketgeorgia.org.

  5. Georgia Restaurant Week returns July 18-24!
    The Georgia Restaurant Association and Georgia Tourism are teaming up again to promote restaurants around the state during Georgia Restaurant Week July 18-24. Restaurant owners should register to participate by May 15. Mark your calendars, and spread the word!

  6. Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to Explore Georgia's email newsletters and follow us on social media
    Get the latest in Georgia happenings delivered directly to your inbox when you subscribe to Explore Georgia's free email newsletter. Also, make sure you're following along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

  7. Georgia Tourism staff spotlight: Katie Christof
    Katie Christof is Explore Georgia's new Senior Digital Strategist. She's lived in Georgia most of her life, having grown up in Duluth and migrating to Atlanta for college. Katie graduated from Georgia State University's Robinson College of Business with a BBA in Marketing. She comes to us after five years with the public relations agency Kellen Communications where she lead digital strategy for food and beverage clients such as Coca-Cola and Abbott Nutrition. Before college, Katie joined the US Army and worked as a medic for five years - two at Landstuhl Hospital in Germany and three with the 10th Mountain Division, which took her on an all-expenses paid 15 month "vacation" to the beautiful deserts of Iraq. When she's not traveling around Georgia she likes to scuba dive, check out the newest breweries, and go hiking. Welcome Katie to the team at [email protected]!

Mark your calendar for these upcoming tourism events
  1. April 18-24: 2016 Travel Media Marketplace, Columbia County
  2. April 22: Georgia On My Mind Day at the Sylvania VIC
  3. May 1-7: National Travel and Tourism Week
  4. May 7: Georgia On My Mind Day at the Plains VIC
  5. May 15-20: STS Marketing College, Dahlonega
  6. May 20: Georgia On My Mind Day at the Lavonia VIC
  7. May 27: Georgia On My Mind Day at the Tallapoosa VIC

Let's get social!
Have a question about Georgia? Need travel advice? Or just feel like getting inspired to plan your vacation? Check us out on the following sites: 

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