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Nashville was lit up with Georgia music last week! As part of the Year of Georgia Music, the Peach Pickers - Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akin and Ben Hayslip - three of Nashville's most talented, connected and prolific songwriters - and all three Georgians, hosted a Night of Georgia Music at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The sell-out crowd, joined by Governor and First Lady Sandra Deal, were treated to performances by Georgia artists, including Luke Bryan, Big Boi, Billy Currington, Lee Brice, Maggie Rose, and a special tribute to Otis Redding led by his sons Dexter and Otis III. The trip also enabled us to call on numerous media outlets to pitch Georgia's music heritage sites and festivals - making sure that Georgia (and Georgia music, in particular), stays on the minds of Tennessee travelers! Make plans to join us next year in Nashville - it's an evening you won't forget!

Kevin
 

Top News Items from Georgia Tourism

  1. Georgia tourism growth sets new record 
    Gov. Nathan Deal announced during National Travel and Tourism Week that the state's tourism industry generated $58.9 billion in business sales in 2015, according to the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics. This represents a three percent increase over the previous year and a new record for the total economic impact of tourism in Georgia. Read more about the great news!

  2. May 27 is deadline for TPD Resource Team Community Funding Requests
    The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Office of Tourism Product Development (TPD) is now offering project funding assistance for communities that have completed participation in a Tourism Product Development Resource Team. Cities, counties and projects that have completed a TPD Resource Team are eligible to apply. Review complete details and send in applications by May 27 at 5 p.m.

  3. Deadline extended to June 15 for restaurants to sign up for Georgia Restaurant Week
    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 June 15 at the latest. Mark your calendars, and spread the word!

  4. Morgan Law accepts position as Executive Director of the Georgia Travel Association
    We are delighted that Morgan Law has elected to accept the full-time position as Executive Director of the Georgia Travel Association, the new advocacy agency for the tourism and hospitality industry. Find out more about the activities of this new organization on MarketGeorgia.org.

  5. Promote your summer deals and events on ExploreGeorgia.org
    Boost your business this summer by promoting your destination on ExploreGeorgia.org! Travelers are on the hunt for special offers, events, festivals and unique experiences in Georgia. Get in front of travelers during the summer travel season by making sure you're on ExploreGeorgia.org. Review the instructions for using the online ExploreGeorgia.org Partner Admin system and post your information today!

  6. Be social this summer
    Make sure your social media strategy is strong during the height of the summer travel season with Georgia Tourism's best practice guides to the most popular platforms. Review our guides to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and more, and then flex your social media muscles this summer!

  7. Georgia Tourism staff spotlight: Lacey Cameron, Business Development Manager
    Lacey came to Georgia Tourism from the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, where she worked in convention sales for meeting groups in Atlanta. She manages strategic planning for the division and works to develop relationships with state partners - and with key tour operators - to implement sales efforts domestically and internationally. Lacey has a passion for tourism and hospitality that began while in college and interning at the Charlotte Regional Visitor's Authority in Charlotte, N.C. She enjoys traveling and discovering new attractions and amazing restaurants around Atlanta. Welcome Lacey to the team at lcameron@georgia.org!

Mark your calendar for these upcoming tourism events
  1. May 15-20:STS Marketing College, Dahlonega
  2. May 20: Georgia On My Mind Day at the Lavonia VIC
  3. May 27: Georgia On My Mind Day at the Tallapoosa VIC
Let's get social!
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