Georgia Celebrates 25th Annual National Tourism Week

ATLANTA, May 13, 2008 – Georgia joins hundreds of cities, states and travel-related businesses nationwide in recognition of the 25th annual National Tourism Week, to be held May 10-18. 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. 'Georgia's tourism industry generates substantial economic impact for the state, employing more than 219,300 people and generating $6.2 billion in resident wages' said Charlie Gatlin, Deputy Commissioner for Tourism and Marketing, Georgia Department of Economic Development. 'National Tourism Week celebrates Georgia's visitors, workforce and tourism entities.' Georgia has hosted more than 61 million visitors, which ranked Georgia's tourism economy eighth in the nation in 2006. Nationwide, the U.S. travel industry directly employees 7.5 million people, generates payroll of $178 billion and tax revenues of about $110 billion. Georgia's Visitor Information Centers will have special promotions, activities and giveaways in honor of National Tourism Week. The 11 state-owned visitor information centers are the first points of contact for more than 12 million Georgia visitors each year. Visitors will enjoy peach tea, Georgia trivia, coffee and snacks. Travelers will be treated to Vidalia Onions at the Savannah VIC. The Augusta VIC will host Athens Day on May 16 with a local Athens band and attractions. The Sylvania VIC will serve local foods every day from Bland Farms, Wade Plantation, Eugenia's Café, Donna's Bakery, Coburg Dairies and Perry Farms. And the West Point VIC, will host Six Flags Day, Stone Mountain Day, Jameson Inn/Longhorn Restaurant and Baymont Inn Day. Visit www.marketgeorgia.org  and click on Visitor Information Centers to learn more about the events and activities taking place during National Tourism Week. 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.georgia.org or call 404-962-4075