Georgias Lake Country to host states annual Travel Media Marketplace event

ATLANTA, February 1, 2013 — The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced today that Georgia's Lake Country will host the state's 2013 Georgia Travel Media Marketplace event May 16 - 18. Nestled on the shores of Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair, up to 30 travel writers from the United States and Canada will explore Eatonton, Greensboro, Madison and Milledgeville. Travel writers will also have the opportunity to meet with representatives from around the state during the marketplace to learn about the state's tourism destinations, attractions and events. 'Travel Media Marketplace is an opportunity to bring travel media to Georgia's tourism destinations and share story ideas,' said Kevin Langston, Deputy Commissioner for Tourism for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. 'Georgia's Lake Country will showcase contemporary and modern amenities, but with the true history and heritage of the South.' Just an hour east of Atlanta, Georgia's Lake Country is nestled in the four neighboring communities of Eatonton, Greensboro, Madison and Milledgeville. These communities offer more than 10 golf courses, two expansive lakes with more than 15,000 acres of water and shopping experiences from antiques to designer brands. Picturesque downtown squares are reminiscent of days gone by offering detailed history of this region. The beautiful Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair offer a variety of outdoor activities including watersports, fishing and cool morning breezes. Travel media will meet with the host communities as well as Georgia's regional tourism representatives, regional travel associations and Georgia's State Parks, during the Marketplace. The writers will then depart on one of three themed familiarization tours around the state through May 21. Travel Media Marketplace is jointly hosted by the Georgia Tourism Division and the host communities to showcase Georgia's tourism assets first hand. Past Marketplace events have been held in Savannah; Athens; Macon; Atlanta; Hiawassee; Augusta; LaGrange and Coweta County; Blue Ridge and Ellijay; and Statesboro and Vidalia. Travel writers interested in participating in this event can email Stefanie Paupeck at [email protected] for an application.

About GDEcD The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) plans, manages and mobilizes state resources to attract new business investment to Georgia, drive the expansion of existing industry and small business, locate new markets for Georgia products, inspire tourists to visit Georgia, and promote the state as a top destination for arts events and film, music and digital entertainment projects. Visit www.georgia.org.