26th Annual National Tourism Week Recognized in Georgia

ATLANTA, May 11, 2009 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development's (GDEcD) Tourism Division joins hundreds of cities, states and travel-related businesses nationwide in recognition of the 26th annual National Tourism Week, to be held May 9-17. Designated by Congress and established by presidential proclamation in 1983, the event celebrates the value and scope of the nation's $740 billion travel and tourism industry, and the economic and social contributions it brings to Georgia. This year's theme, 'Discover Great American Traditions,' encourages travel to American locales and highlights the role that tourism plays in discovering the icons of a destination. GDEcD's 11 Visitor Information Centers (VIC) will host special promotions and activities in honor of National Tourism Week. 'The state's second-largest industry provides 241,800 jobs and generates $6.9 billion in resident wages,' said Charlie Gatlin, Deputy Commissioner for Tourism and Marketing, GDEcD. 'We welcomed 12 million visitors to our Visitor Information Centers last year, so they are the perfect location to celebrate National Tourism Week.' Georgia's Visitor Information Centers serve as gateways to the state and are located on major travel arteries in Augusta, Columbus, Kingsland, Lavonia, Plains, Ringgold, Savannah, Tallapoosa, Valdosta, West Point and Sylvania. Travelers are greeted by information specialists who provide valuable travel information, book hotel rooms and offer directions. The state travel guide, maps, a variety of brochures and other collateral materials are available to those traveling to or through Georgia. During National Tourism Week travelers will learn about tourism destinations from local Convention & Visitors Bureaus, meet with representative of the state's many attractions, local hotels, sample local foods, giveaways, prizes, and so much more.  Visit www.marketgeorgia.org and click on Visitor Information Centers to find out more. The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.   For more information, visit www.exploregeorgia.org or call 404-962-4075.