News Archive
July 20, 2021 | Georgia Film Records Blockbuster Year
Atlanta – July 21, 2021 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced today that the film industry recorded a blockbuster year in Georgia. During fiscal year 2021, the film and television industry set a new record with $4 billion in direct spending on productions in the state. The Georgia Film Office, a division of GDEcD, reported that these numbers are due to a variety of factors in addition to the state’s overall attractiveness to the film industry, including an earlier safe return to production, pent-up demand from the COVID-19 hiatus, and the associated expenses to mitigate risk. New safety protocols also added to production costs and timelines.
“Because Georgia was the first state in the country to re-open our economy and worked with film productions across the state to ensure they could safely continue operations, the Peach State’s film industry is leading the nation,” said Governor Brian P. Kemp. “As the top state for business for an unprecedented eighth year in a row, the jobs, economic development, and investment in film and other supporting industries are a key part of Georgia’s success story. This record-breaking announcement also highlights Georgia’s incredible momentum in economic recovery as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
For more than a decade, Georgia’s film industry has posted exponential growth to become an epicenter of film, with new record spending regularly set by productions. Today, in addition to a wide range of natural and physical settings from the mountains to the coast that are ideal for production, Georgia also offers 2.1 million square feet in purpose-built stage space and 3.2 million in retrofitted stage and dedicated warehouse space. New support service company announcements are a regular occurrence. In fiscal year 2021, 366 productions filmed in the state, represented by 21 feature films, 45 independent films, 222 television and episodic productions, 57 commercials, and 21 music videos.
Georgia was the first state to provide a “best practices” guide for film and television during COVID-19, which assisted the rapid return to filming in the state. The “COVID-19: Georgia Best Practices for Film and Television” production guide for studios was provided by the Georgia Film Office, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). The Guide complemented the safety protocols released by the Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee Task Force to help ensure a safe workplace environment and reduce the spread of the virus.
“This year’s record-breaking spending by the film industry demonstrates that our efforts to grow jobs for Georgians continue to pay dividends,” said Georgia House of Representatives Speaker David Ralston. “With an industry-leading film tax credit, a ready workforce and a business-friendly attitude, Georgia is perfectly positioned to continue attracting more productions and the jobs they will support. Our continuing success is a testament to what can happen when the public and private sector work together to expand economic opportunity in every corner of our great state.”
In June 2020, the major motion picture, television, and streaming companies committed to bringing back and hiring an estimated 40,000 production workers to work on 75 production projects in the state that would invest over $2 billion into the Georgia economy over the following 18 months.
“The growth of Georgia’s film industry is truly exciting, impacting every corner of our state from communities to small businesses to individual Georgians,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Seeing our beautiful state on-screen along with our iconic Georgia peach logo is good for tourism and other marketing efforts, ultimately making an even bigger impact on our economy. The Georgia Film Office has been working with our Camera Ready communities, productions, education partners, and so many more to make sure we are responsive and continuing to capitalize on the benefits for small and large communities across Georgia.”
Last week, Georgia-lensed productions earned 62 Emmy® Award nominations from the Television Academy. Top-nominated shows include “WandaVision” (23 nominations) from Disney+ and Marvel Studios, HBO’s “Lovecraft Country” (18), “The Underground Railroad” (7) from Amazon, and “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” (5) from Disney+ and Marvel Studios.
“Georgia allowed productions to return before other markets, so we not only had returning shows that shut down due to the pandemic, but we were also able to attract new shows that were slated to shoot in other, locked down markets,” said Lee Thomas, Director of the Georgia Film Office. “This additional slate of projects, combined with increased budgets due to the need for additional crew and space, plus stringent safety measures, led Georgia to have an even higher than projected record year.”
Additional Georgia-lensed film and television programs are set to be released in the weeks and months ahead. Stars of Disney’s “Jungle Cruise” Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt were interviewed from Atlanta on Good Morning America last week ahead of the film’s premiere later this month. DC Films production “The Suicide Squad” and a movie adaptation of the hit Broadway show “Dear Evan Hansen” from Universal Pictures are set for release later in the year.
In fiscal year 2020, despite film production shutdowns in Georgia and around the world during COVID-19, Georgia-lensed productions spent $2.2 billion in the state, a record-setting pace before the COVID-19 response required a pause. In 2019, the direct spend by Georgia productions was $2.9 billion.
For a list of Georgia-lensed productions currently in theaters, streaming online, or set to premiere, visit “Release Dates for Georgia-Lensed Productions.”
For some of the more than 50 productions currently filming in Georgia, visit “Now Filming in Georgia.”
About the Georgia Film Office
The Georgia Film Office develops the state’s film, television, and commercial production industries by marketing the state to production companies; location scouting; and coordinating the filming needs of companies with other state agencies, local governments, and citizens. The office actively works to develop the industry’s infrastructure and workforce, certifies projects under the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act, and oversees the Camera Ready community program to engage municipalities throughout Georgia.
About GDEcD
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 destination for arts and location for film, music, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit www.georgia.org for more information.
Contact:
Marie Gordon - Director of Communications
Georgia Department of Economic Development
MGordon@georgia.org
Alison Wentley - Communications Specialist
Georgia Department of Economic Development
AWentley@georgia.org
Read original article here.
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July 19, 2021 | Gov. Kemp Announces Statewide Initiative to Accelerate Georgia’s Electric Mobility Industry
Atlanta, July 20, 2021 –Today, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced a statewide initiative to strengthen Georgia's position as a national leader in the electric mobility industry. Driven by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), the Electric Mobility and Innovation Alliance (EMIA) includes partners from the private and public sectors ranging from government, industry, electric utilities, education, nonprofits, and other stakeholders, focused on advancing Georgia’s role in developing the electric mobility industry and its supply chain. In conjunction with the initiative, GDEcD has launched new website assets at: georgia.org/mobility.
"Georgia has a proven record of investing early in the resources and infrastructure needed to connect it to the world and develop jobs of the future," said Governor Kemp. "The Electric Mobility and Innovation Alliance will ensure that our state is positioned to continue leading the nation in the rapidly growing electric mobility industry. I appreciate these key stakeholders for joining this new partnership and look forward to the innovative solutions and strategies to come."
In addition to the nearly $2.6 billion SK Innovation electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facilities in Jackson County, in recent months, Georgia has continued to attract numerous other international investments. These include Dutch e-mobility charging systems leader Heliox, Turkish EV-parts manufacturer TEKLAS, German-owned lightweight automotive-body parts manufacturer GEDIA, and SK-supplier EnChem of Korea. In 2018, Georgia Made school bus manufacturer Blue Bird introduced their all-electric buses, and the company recently reported its 500th delivery or sale of electric buses.
Building on existing assets, the Electric Mobility and Innovation Alliance will offer policy recommendations intended to further enhance the state’s attractiveness to the electric mobility industry and foster innovation in related fields, including drones, autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, battery technology, and more. The five EMIA committees will develop a multi-step approach that sets objectives for Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Workforce, Innovation, and Policy/Initiatives. The Carl Vinson Institute at the University of Georgia will host EMIA’s committee meetings and integrated research forums.
According to a report by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, automakers are planning to invest $250 billion in electrification by 2023, and IHS Markit predicts there will be 130 EV models available in the U.S. by 2026. As the center of the southeast automotive corridor with close proximity to the region’s automotive original equipment manufacturers, Georgia is positioned to capitalize on these trends to support the entire EV supply chain.
"Expanding on Georgia’s growing e-mobility ecosystem, the Electric Mobility and Innovation Alliance will give Georgia a greater, more comprehensive strategy for the wave of electrification we are seeing across industry sectors,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “By bringing together industry leaders and our public and private sector partners, we are proactively developing a roadmap that will keep Georgia at the forefront of electric mobility and innovation.”
About GDEcD
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 destination for arts and location for film, music, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit www.georgia.org for more information.
Contact:
Marie Gordon - Director of Communications
Georgia Department of Economic Development
MGordon@georgia.org
Mallory Blount - Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
mallory.blount@georgia.gov
Emily Flower - Deputy Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
emily.flower@georgia.gov
Read original article here.
(READ MORE)July 6, 2021 | Georgia Council for the Arts Awards More Than $2 Million in Grant Funding to Support Arts
ATLANTA, July 7, 2021 – The Georgia Council for the Arts, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), today announced the recipients of its Bridge, Project, and Arts Education grants as part of its initial disbursement of grants for fiscal year 2022. A total of 266 grants were awarded that will provide more than $2 million in funding towards arts initiatives throughout the state.
The Bridge Grant will provide funding for operating support to 135 organizations, the Project Grant will help fund 54 art projects, and 77 programs received funding through the Arts Education Program Grant. A complete list of the 218 first-round fiscal year 2022 grantees can be found here.
“Georgia’s arts industry strengthens our economy, supports tens of thousands of jobs in cities and towns of all sizes across the state, and plays a meaningful role in our daily lives,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Considering the numerous challenges faced by arts organizations during the pandemic, we are particularly pleased to distribute this funding to help these organizations create, innovate, and flourish. Ultimately, these grants will be felt widely as they benefit our economy and contribute to the vibrancy of our state.”
Funds awarded by Georgia Council for the Arts include appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly, the National Endowment for the Arts, and $904,000 from the American Rescue Plan (ARP). Grant recipients include theaters, dance companies, museums, schools, cities, colleges, and multi-discipline arts entities. Additional grants for Vibrant Communities and Cultural Facilities programs will be awarded in the fall of 2021.
“As we emerge from this past year’s quarantine, the arts sector is vital to restarting the economy by attracting tourists, assisting with classroom learning, and igniting events to bring communities back together,” said Georgia Council for the Arts Executive Director Tina Lilly. “The 266 grants we have awarded will help cities and organizations leverage additional funds and bring people back to work while providing fun and educational opportunities for Georgians across the state.”
Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) used Peer Review Panels to judge and review the eligible applications received. Following standard practices set by the National Endowment for the Arts, the panelists are made up of GCA Council members, fellow professionals who are experienced in the arts discipline or type of grant being reviewed, and citizens with a record of arts activities, experience, and knowledge.
Georgia’s creative industries have a reported $62.5 billion impact on the economy, generating roughly $37 billion in revenue and accounting for about 140,000 jobs in the state.
About Georgia Council for the Arts
Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) is a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development whose mission is to cultivate the growth of vibrant, thriving Georgia communities through the arts. GCA provides grant funding, programs, and services statewide that support the vital arts industry, preserve the state's cultural heritage, increase tourism, and nurture strong communities. Funding for Georgia Council for the Arts is provided by appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. www.gaarts.org
About GDEcD
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, align workforce education and training with in-demand jobs, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts and location for film, music, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. www.georgia.org
Contact
Marie Gordon
Director of Communications
404-962-4075
mgordon@georgia.org
Emily Murray
Sr. Communications Specialist
404-640-3195
emurray@georgia.org
Read original article here.
(READ MORE)June 27, 2021 | LEADING WEST COAST INDOOR GREENS COMPANY PETE’S ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING
June 8, 2021 | 10 consecutive months of positive year-over-year growth in Savannah
GPA accelerates expansion and hiring efforts
SAVANNAH, Ga., June 10, 2021 — The Port of Savannah handled 478,620 twenty-foot equivalent container units in May, an increase of 41.9 percent compared to last year. It was the second busiest month in the port’s history, and the 10th consecutive month of positive year-over-year growth.
“Georgia’s deepwater ports are thriving, and that’s good news for a wide range of industries,” said Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. “Thanks to conservative leadership and the fact that we never really shut down Georgia businesses during the pandemic, the Peach State’s economy is rebounding quickly. From logistics to manufacturing and retail, the ripple effect of booming trade at the ports of Savannah and Brunswick means business opportunity and job growth for hardworking Georgians.”
Port officials said the facilities saw a fast recovery from the global economic downturn of 2020.
“Last year, at this time, we were uncertain of the road ahead and expecting a double-digit loss in business,” said outgoing Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) Board Chairman Will McKnight. “To see how the GPA team and our supply chain partners have turned things around to achieve a string of the most successful months ever speaks volumes for this world-class workforce.”
For the fiscal year to date (June through May), GPA has moved nearly 4.9 million TEUs, putting it on pace to surpass 5 million TEUs for the first time. Total cargo crossing all GPA docks reached 3.8 million tons last month, up 26 percent, or 781,121 tons. Rail volumes for the month grew 28 percent, or approximately 12,029 lifts, for a total of 54,436 containers.
“We believe managing the new cargo that’s coming our way benefits the economy, jumpstarts economic development and sustains long-term growth,” said GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch. “We are encouraged by the Board’s support as we advance our strategic plan to ensure we absorb this growth more effectively in the future.”
To keep up with this unprecedented growth, GPA has accelerated its hiring efforts, bringing on nearly 150 new employees since January 2021. Many of these employees are being trained in jockey trucks, yard cranes and other equipment to handle growth at GPA’s facilities.
“Our Board will continue to invest in Georgia Ports’ most important resource – our employees,” said incoming GPA Board Chairman Joel Wooten. “We also remain committed to enhancing GPA facilities to sustain our communities for years to come.”
GPA’s trade in vehicles and machinery units also soared last month, growing by 48,830 units, or 347 percent, for a total of 62,873 units. The auto industry was hit particularly hard during COVID-19 as many manufacturers faced plant closures and supply chain disruptions. “We expect strong growth to continue in autos and machinery as manufacturers return to normal operations,” Lynch said.
Georgia’s deepwater ports and inland barge terminals support more than 496,700 jobs throughout the state annually and contribute $29 billion in income, $122 billion in revenue and $3.4 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy. The Port of Savannah handled 9.3 percent of total U.S. containerized cargo volume and 10.5 percent of all U.S. containerized exports in FY2020.
For more information, visit gaports.com, or contact GPA Chief Communications Officer Robert Morris at (912) 964-3855 or rmorris@gaports.com.
June 3, 2021 | Flint Energy ‘Rural Murals’ program grant awarded to Fort Valley
Thanks to a generous grant from Flint Energies, Fort Valley is the proud home to a new, beautiful and vibrant mural! The mural highlights some of the things that put the City of Fort Valley on the map like its peach farming history and Blue Bird Bus manufacturing - one of the largest school bus manufacturing plants in North America. If you are ever out and about or if you are a visitor, be sure to swing by and take a look and if you are so inclined, take a photo in front of the mural and post/share! #FortValleyMural
Click here to learn more! (link takes you to 13WMAZ news coverage)
(READ MORE)June 2, 2021 | Grants & Funding Opportunities | June 2021
Each month, our economic development partner ECG puts out a comprehensive list of grants and funding opportunities for businesses, etc. In an effort to help serve our community, we pass this valuable information along! If you are interested in reading about what is available, click here for the June list. For more information, you can visit ECG's website here.
(READ MORE)June 1, 2021 | Gov. Kemp: Explore Georgia Supports Tourism Industry Recovery with $2 Million in Marketing Grants
ATLANTA – June 2, 2021 –Governor Brian P. Kemp in partnership with Explore Georgia, the state tourism office within the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), today announced the recipients of a special round of Tourism Recovery Marketing Grants. The Explore Georgia Tourism Recovery Marketing Grant program supports marketing efforts to bolster the recovery of Georgia’s tourism industry from the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirty-four destination marketing organizations in 27 counties will receive a combined total of nearly $1.5 million in recovery marketing funding as part of this one-time grant program.
Governor Kemp and the Georgia General Assembly approved $1 million in the amended FY21 state budget for tourism recovery. Because of the substantial number of grant applications – from 58 organizations totaling nearly $2.5 million in funding requests – Explore Georgia contributed an additional $1 million from the state tourism marketing budget to fund as many grants as possible. The Explore Georgia Tourism Recovery Marketing program also includes $500,000 in co-op matching funds, for a total of $2 million in recovery support.
“A prospering tourism industry creates hundreds of thousands of jobs and positively impacts the health and vitality of our state’s economy. I’m proud to support our hardworking tourism organizations across the state through this recovery funding,” said Governor Kemp. “The tourism and hospitality community needs our support more than ever, and this funding will provide the immediate marketing assistance they need to make sure that Georgia is on the minds of eager travelers.”
The Explore Georgia Tourism Recovery Marketing Grant program was designed to provide relief to areas of the state most impacted by the drop in tourism and will fund promotional efforts to aid the travel industry’s recovery in 2021. The grants awarded have prioritized organizations and communities that have experienced the greatest impact from the loss of visitors and subsequent tourism spending during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Georgia is a beautiful state and as we continue to recover, I look forward to working alongside our industry partners to promote the state’s incredible tourism assets to travelers across the globe,” said Pat Wilson, commissioner of GDEcD. “These grants are an important tool for our industry organizations, the majority of which are small businesses, to begin their recovery efforts. We are dedicated to rebuilding travel and tourism across our state because Georgia’s diverse economy cannot fully recover until our tourism and hospitality industry is thriving once again.”
According to the latest Longwoods International tracking study of American travelers, 90% of travelers now have travel plans in the next six months, which is the highest level in more than a year. Explore Georgia focused on funding marketing programs that can be quickly activated and placed in-market to capture this anticipated increase to take advantage of this opportunity.
“As we head into a summer when we expect to see a tremendous reemergence of domestic tourism and the economic prosperity that travel brings, the funding of these grants recognizes the importance of communicating the diversity of visitor experiences across Georgia that are close to home for so many Americans,” said Mark Jaronski, deputy commissioner of tourism at GDEcD. “Thanks to a great working relationship with our destination marketing partners across the state, we believe that we can be most effective in what’s expected to be an incredibly competitive landscape by marketing Georgia to the American public together and complementing the state’s tourism recovery campaign Ready. Set. Georgia.”
The applications were evaluated based on need, quantified by the year-over-year loss in Hotel-Motel Excise Tax collections for the organization, and the change in unemployment in the organization’s county. Grant recipients received 100% of the award amount requested on their applications.
Click here to view the recipients of the Tourism Recovery Marketing Grants.
About Explore Georgia
Explore Georgia, the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development is the state’s official destination marketing organization. Through its home office in Atlanta, nine visitor information centers across Georgia, and a network of tourism representatives across the globe, Explore Georgia inspires travel to and within the state through marketing programs developed and executed in partnership with the state’s travel industry. The division works to advance Georgia’s tourism industry that represented $69 billion and supported more than 484,000 jobs in 2019. Learn more at ExploreGeorgia.org.
About GDEcD
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 destination for arts and location for film, music, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit www.georgia.org for more information.
Contact:
Mallory Blount - Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
mallory.blount@georgia.gov
Emily Flower - Deputy Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
emily.flower@georgia.gov
May 9, 2021 | Interfor Invests $30 Million in Expanding Sawmill in Perry
Atlanta, May 10, 2021 – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that Interfor, a forest products company and the largest lumber producer in the state, will invest $30 million in expanding their sawmill operations in Perry, Georgia.
“It’s great to see a lumber industry leader like Interfor continue to reinvest in the state, especially in our rural regions,” said Governor Kemp. “Georgia is home to many family-owned forest farms, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact Interfor’s expansion will have here – from the ground up.”
Interfor supplies a broad range of lumber products, including fibers for house frames, trusses, furniture, and industrial packaging, to customers around the world. This expansion will increase both lumber production and log consumption at the company’s mill in Perry.
“We are excited to further invest in the Perry team and community. This operation has a dedicated and proven team of employees with a history of success with upgrade work,” said Vice President of Southern Operations for Interfor Bruce Luxmoore. “The expansion will increase consumption of the timber resource and provide economic benefits to the broader community.”
The company, which currently employs more than 1,200 Georgians and operates seven sawmills across the state, will bring numerous indirect jobs and opportunities to Middle Georgia. Individuals interested in careers with Interfor are encouraged to visit interfor.com/careers for additional information.
“On behalf of the Development Authority of Houston County, along with our partners, the Houston County Commissioners and the City of Perry, we are so pleased to see this additional investment from Interfor Corporation,” said Ben Hulbert, Chairman of the Development Authority of Houston County. “The expansion represents more growth and success for one of our top employers. It also highlights a healthy environment of consistent support of industry and community. We are grateful for the company’s confidence to invest in Houston County and for the partnership opportunity.”
Senior Project Manager Candice Scott represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce division on this project in partnership with the Development Authority of Houston County.
“I extend my thanks to the Interfor team for doubling down on their investment in the Perry community and for continuing to support the state’s foresters,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “I also extend my thanks to our partners at the Houston County Development Authority for their continued support of industry and work to strengthen the local economy.”
About Interfor
Interfor is a growth-oriented forest products company with operations in Canada and the United States. The Company has annual production capacity of approximately 3.2 billion board feet and offers a diverse line of lumber products to customers around the world. For more information about Interfor, visit www.interfor.com or contact their Peachtree City office at 770-282-3183.
Contact:
Mallory Blount - Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
mallory.blount@georgia.gov
Emily Flower - Deputy Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
emily.flower@georgia.gov
May 2, 2021 | Gov. Kemp: Explore Georgia Launches Marketing Campaign and Travel Guide To Support Tourism Recovery
ATLANTA – May 3, 2021 – To celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, Governor Brian P. Kemp in conjunction with Explore Georgia, the state tourism office within the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), announced several new initiatives to increase visitation and support tourism recovery in the state. During a virtual event held at the Georgia Aquarium, Explore Georgia launched a new marketing campaign, Ready. Set. Georgia., unveiled the latest 2021 Explore Georgia Official State Travel Guide, and highlighted $1 million in new grant and co-op opportunities for the tourism industry made possible by Governor Kemp’s amended FY21 budget.
“As more people are vaccinated and eager to travel, tourism is a top priority for Georgia’s economy, and I am committed to ensuring both its recovery and continued success. I was glad to approve an additional $1 million to support communities throughout the state to restart their tourism marketing after a year when their primary funding source was impacted dramatically,” said Governor Kemp. “This will continue to bolster our recovery efforts, helping our state’s tourism industry get back on its feet, and welcome more visitors to Georgia.”
Georgia’s tourism industry benefits local economies and small businesses across the state, and evidence shows that the state is beginning to see brighter days ahead. Because Georgia remained open for business in 2020, the state is in a stronger position than much of the United States as according to positive trends in recent weeks. National visitation data tracked by Arrivalist shows that total trips to or within the state were up 75% in March year-over-year and up 23% compared to Q1 2020.
“Despite the challenges tourism has faced, our team at Explore Georgia found creative ways to promote safe travel to Georgia. With the support of Governor Kemp and our tourism partners across the state, we’ve been able to ensure that Georgia is in the best position possible as we begin recovery,” said Pat Wilson, commissioner of GDEcD. “All across the state, we are seeing evidence that tourism - despite the pandemic - has remained strong and will prosper for years to come.”
Ready. Set. Georgia., the state’s new multimillion-dollar recovery marketing campaign, launches this week across a variety of digital and print media. Informed by traveler sentiment, the campaign highlights a mix of city, coastal, and small town destinations throughout the state, pairing iconic imagery with active calls to travelers to get out and explore.
In time for summer travel planning, the 2021 Explore Georgia Official Travel Guide includes ideas for exploration throughout Georgia. Produced by Blue Sky Agency in Atlanta, the guide’s cover features a call to action: EXPLORE. Within each letter, a photo – taken by actual Georgia travelers – provides a glimpse of the state’s most beloved, inspiring, and unexpected destinations. The 2021 Explore Georgia Official Travel Guide is produced in partnership with Atlanta Magazine Custom Media and is available for free. The guide can be requested online at ExploreGeorgia.org, by calling 1-800-VISIT GA, or at any of the state’s nine Visitor Information Centers.
“Georgia’s ‘open for business’ approach and success with vaccinations has given the travel industry the license to operate, meeting a steady increase in demand as travelers convert a year’s worth of pent-up demand into solid travel plans,” said Mark Jaronski, deputy commissioner of Tourism at GDEcD.
Across the U.S., the travel industry is celebrating the annual National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), May 2-8, 2021. Through the theme Power of Travel, it shines a spotlight on the critical role that travel will play in driving economic recovery efforts and building the path forward. The celebration unites communities across the country, highlighting what travel means to American jobs, economic growth, and personal well-being.
“NTTW takes on a special significance this year as the travel industry looks to rebound quickly from the pandemic and accelerate recovery efforts,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “The past year was incredibly challenging, but we saw the full power of the travel industry on display in the way we united and supported one another through this crisis.”
For more information about National Travel and Tourism Week, visit www.ustravel.org.
Media images and video: https://bit.ly/3xzaOtQ
About Explore Georgia
Explore Georgia, the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, is the state’s official destination marketing organization. Through its home office in Atlanta, nine visitor information centers, and a network of representatives across the globe, Explore Georgia inspires travel to and within the state. The division works to advance Georgia’s $68.96 billion tourism industry that supports more than 484,000 jobs. Learn more at ExploreGeorgia.org.
About GDEcD
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 destination for arts and location for film, music, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit www.georgia.org for more information.
Contacts
Emily Murray - Public Relations and Communications Manager
Explore Georgia
emurray@georgia.org
Mallory Blount - Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
mallory.blount@georgia.gov
Emily Flower - Deputy Press Secretary
Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp
emily.flower@georgia.gov
Original article found here.
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