Tourism can drive significant business growth and increase revenue for companies operating in Georgia. A $45 billion industry for the state, the gem of the south enjoys a proven, commercial appeal of southern sensibilities and modern possibilities. Plus, Georgia’s business-friendly climate that is home to 14 Fortune 500 headquarters enables companies beginning business or expanding business in Georgia to drive profits with less risk.
With metro Atlanta’s booming population leading the country, world-class attractions, easy access to swelling consumer markets, smart tax incentives, moderate climate, long travel season, and the top-ranked airport and highway system in the nation, tourism-related companies are able to leverage Georgia’s powerful attraction for in-state and out-of-state visitors to increase sales.
EASY ACCESS TO THE BEST OF GEORGIA
Visitors to Georgia’s tourism destinations have easy access to an advanced transportation infrastructure that is unrivaled anywhere else in the country. Georgia’s top-ranked roads put visitors in reach of nearly limitless tourism opportunities in metro Atlanta and throughout the state, including unparalleled cuisine, professional sports teams, mountains, beaches, canyons, waterfalls, parks, forests, vineyards, and much more.
BENEFITS
Businesses in Georgia’s tourism industry can:
- Ensure high consumer and business traffic by positioning themselves at the crossroads of north-south and east-west travel in North America
- Lower operating costs with electrical power costs well below the national average
- Establish operations in a proven consumer and business market that generates a strong and steady flow of in-state, out-of-state, and international tourism visits, as well as global commerce visits
- Apply for a Tourism Product Development grant and gain access to other sources of tourism grants
- Rely on the world’s busiest and most efficient passenger airport, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, to deliver visitors
- Utilize eight Regional Tourism Representatives who serve as liaisons between communities and businesses in the tourism industry
- Distribute marketing materials at 11 Visitor Information Centers around the state which draw 12 million visitors per year
- Post special offers on the state’s tourism website ExploreGeorgia.org and the mobile travel guide
- Promote your destination or service through the Georgia Travel Guide, Calendar of Events, Group Tour Planner, 1-800 VISIT GA, ExploreGeorgia.org, mobile travel guide, press releases, domestic and international trade shows, state-wide advertising campaigns, e-newsletters and more
2012 SMACKDOWN - GEORGIA RESIDENTS CAMPAIGN
Georgia Tourism is throwing down an all new “Smackdown” challenge for 2012. This year, Georgia tourism professionals are encouraged to assemble teams to work together on a creative proposal that will focus on Georgia residents. The proposal should encourage Georgia residents to take advantage of special offers, events, promotions, and attractions, while encouraging residents to travel and stay in state. Your proposal must have the ability to be implemented with a total budget of $65,000 and be inclusive of both creative development and potential media support (print, production, digital, social media, etc.) to support and implement the campaign. In addition, your proposal should also include examples of how it could have the potential to be extended into a year-long campaign.
Be on the lookout for emails and videos from Special Agent Nija Torrence, she will once again be giving you all the details , including deadlines, timelines and maybe even a tip or two. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact us at SMACKDOWN@georgia.org.
[Download] Smackdown Rules & Regulations ▶
[Download] Smackdown Intent Form ▶