September 2016                                                                              Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter   

Though it hardly feels like it, fall is here! It was great seeing so many of you at the Governor's Tourism Conference last week in the ATL Airport District. Thank you to the many, many of you who were a part of making that event so successful. As we turn our focus now to apples, pumpkins, corn mazes and our fall holidays, we move ahead fully engaged with new knowledge, strengthened relationships and renewed excitement about our state's amazing tourism potential. I hope to see you again soon!    Kevin Langston

Top News Items from Georgia Tourism

  1. 2016 Governor's Tourism Conference soared to new heights
    Hosted by the Atlanta Airport District Sept. 12-14, 2016, in College Park, the 2016 Georgia Governor's Conference soared to new heights with inspiring presentations, unparalleled networking opportunities and evening entertainment filled with surprises. At the Governor's Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, Gov. Nathan Deal announced the news that the state's tourism industry generated a record $58.9 billion impact in the last year and a record 100 million visitors came to Georgia in 2015. Gov. Deal also presented the Governor's Tourism Awards, recognizing leaders and accomplishments in the industry. Read all about it on MarketGeorgia.org. Download presentations from the sessions online and save the dates for the conference next year in Jekyll Island Sept. 10-13, 2017.

  2. New data available: 2015 Travel Economic Impact in Georgia
    For the latest information on the economic impact of travel and tourism on Georgia's state, county and tourism regions, download the newly posted 2015 Travel Economic Impact on Georgia State, Counties and Regions report on MarketGeorgia.org. Contact Research Director Andria Godfrey at AGodfrey@georgia.org with any questions or if you need assistance using information in this report.

  3. Dogs need vacations, too! Georgia Tourism launches pet-friendly campaign with #ExploreGeorgiaPup
    Travelers who want to enjoy their vacations with their pets now have a new set of trip ideas on ExploreGeorgia.org and a way to share their experiences on social media. Pet-friendly city guides featuring travel-happy dogs offer recommendations for where to stay, eat and play while visiting Georgia with pets. Visitors are encouraged to use #ExploreGeorgiaPup on social media to share photos of their dogs on adventures in the Peach State. Check out the trip guides and show off your pet-friendly destinations using #ExploreGeorgiaPup!

  4. The ExploreGeorgia.org Songwriter Series - don't miss it!
    With three shows down and only three shows to go, the ExploreGeorgia.org Songwriter Series is going strong celebrating the Year of Georgia Music. Showcasing songwriters in intimate performances, each show is unique, unpredictable and exciting. Plan to check out a show near you: Oct. 7 at the Albany Museum of Art; Nov. 19 at the Holly Theatre in Dahlonega; Dec. 2 at the Douglass Theatre in Macon. See who's playing on MarketGeorgia.org.

  5. Do you know a Small Business Rock Star?
    The Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Economic Developers Association are seeking nominations for outstanding, unique and impactful small businesses in the state. Any small business (fewer than 100 employees) is invited to apply by Oct. 31. Nominate your own company or another great Georgia small business today! Find complete details and a list of previous winners (including Creature Comforts Brewing, Savannah Bee Company and Lauri Jo's Southern Style Canning) on Georgia.org.

  6. Capture holiday business by promoting your destination on ExploreGeorgia.org
    It still may feel like summer, but travelers are already making holiday travel plans! Not to mention, bloggers and travel writers are getting travelers ready for the holiday season with inspirational content designed to send people your way. Don't delay! Make sure everyone can find your holiday events and deals by posting them on ExploreGeorgia.org. Find helpful resources, including the Explore Georgia FY17 Content Calendar on MarketGeorgia.org

  7. Georgia Tourism staff spotlight: Parker Whidby
    Parker Whidby is the Digital Content Specialist for Explore Georgia. She loves to write and photograph all the amazing things our state has to offer its visitors! Working with partners to create fun and unique content for Explore Georgia's social media channels is her favorite part of her job. In her spare time, Parker enjoys painting, going to concerts, trying new restaurants and spending time with family, friends and pups, Doc and Baxley. Email her any time at pwhidby@georgia.org to work together on a story. 

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