2008 Georgia State Travel Guide Unveiled

ATLANTA, Feb. 12, 2008 – Governor Sonny Perdue introduced the 2008 State Travel Guide, featuring a cover shot of the St. Simons Island lighthouse, during a special ceremony Jan. 29 during Tourism Day at the state Capitol, which celebrates the tourism industry's contributions to Georgia. 'Our state travel guide is an essential part of our tourism marketing efforts,' said Governor Sonny Perdue. 'We are thrilled to highlight one of Georgia's most prized historic assets on the cover of the 2008 state Travel Guide. We hope visitors will pick up the travel guide and see all there is to do in Georgia.' 'The Travel Guide serves as our main fulfillment piece, and encourages travelers and Georgians to explore our state,' said Charlie Gatlin, Deputy Commissioner for Tourism and Marketing, GDEcD. 850,000 copies of the state travel guide will be printed in 2008. This represents an increase of 100,000 copies over 2007. The guides are distributed through consumer orders online at www.georgia.org/travel or via a toll-free number, 1-800-VISIT GA. The travel guide also is distributed at Georgia's 11 Visitor Information Centers located on major arteries throughout the state, at the 42 regional Welcome Centers, and at consumer and industry trade shows in the U.S. An abbreviated version of the guide is produced in five foreign languages: UK English, German, Spanish, Korean and Chinese. Foreign-language versions of the guide also are being developed in Japanese and Portuguese. The international guides are distributed through the state's foreign offices, group tour operators and at international trade shows. The domestic version of the guide includes 216 pages, and is divided into sections, each representing one of nine tourism marketing regions in the state. Each section includes a map and introductory feature as well as comprehensive listings of the region's attractions, visitor resources and lodging. The guide also includes feature articles that promote various aspects of the visitor experience: Southern Goodness: Key foods in Georgia's culture; The Show Must Go On: Georgia renovates and saves its theaters; Fun on the Water: Activities on and near the water abound across the state; One of a Kind: the products of craftsmen are abundant in Georgia and Fruits of Labor: Georgia's luscious produce offers great eating and entertainment. 'These niches support our integrated marketing plan, which include 'Georgia Made, Georgia Grown,' driving trails, cultural and culinary tourism,' said Fred Huff, Director of Marketing, GDEcD. 'Our print, broadcast and online advertising share the same themes, which enhances our brand recognition. For example, the Georgia Department of Transportation map (1.3 million copies) and AAA Guides to Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina (3 million copies) include Georgia driving trails, with supporting online itineraries.' 'While there are no specific numbers regarding the return on investment, we do measure through unique web addresses, online requests and calls. In 2008 there will be further integration between the print edition and our new consumer web site,' added Huff. The selection of the St. Simons Lighthouse as the guide's cover shot was revealed to the community during a special ceremony in early January on St. Simons Island, and was attended by representatives of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD); Atlanta magazine, which publishes the annual guide; Glynn County Commissioners, and the Georgia Coastal Travel Association on St. Simons Island on January 8. 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. To request a copy of the state travel guide please call 1 800 VISIT GA (800- 847-4842) or order online at Georgia.org.