Georgia Tourism Awarded U.S. Travel Association Award for Public and Media Relations

ATLANTA, August, 22, 2013 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development's Tourism Division was awarded the National Council of State Tourism Directors (NCSTD) Public and Media Relations Mercury Award for the state's 'Twist Road Trip.' The NCSTD 2013 Mercury awards winners were announced during U.S. Travel Association's annual Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) conference on Tuesday, September 20 in Richmond, Virginia.

'The Twist Road Trip was an outstanding opportunity to build awareness of Georgia's unique tourism assets, the economic impact of tourism in the state and to introduce our new 'The South with a Twist' advertising campaign,' said Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner for tourism for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. 'From February through June 2012, we visited 26 cities, conducted 40 media interviews and met with more than 200 key tourism partners and influencers.'

The Mercury awards are given to state tourism offices by NCSTD, recognizing members for excellence and creative accomplishment at the state level in tourism marketing and promotion, and inspiring the continued development of exciting destination marketing and promotion programs. The awards are comprised of twelve categories, including: Print Advertising; Print Visitors Guide; Broadcast Advertising: Radio; Broadcast Advertising: TV; Co-op Marketing; Niche Marketing; Travel Website; Digital Campaign; Best Use of Social Media Platform; Public and Media Relations; Special Promotion; and Overall Program.

This year, the awards were judged by JWT, an internationally recognized marketing and communications firm. Judges offered a unique perspective because the agency was chosen to help develop Brand USA's national tourism promotion strategy.

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.