Northeast Georgia Mountains to Host 2007 Travel Media Marketplace

ATLANTA, February 7, 2007 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is pleased to announce that the 2007 Georgia Travel Media Marketplace event will be held in the state's Northeast Mountains, Towns County, from May 3 – 5. Up to 40 travel writers will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from around the state during this gathering and learn about the many new attractions, destinations and events bringing tourists to Georgia.
'Part of our ongoing integrated marketing program is an effort to better showcase Georgia tourism through advertising campaigns, online components and media outreach," said GDEcD's Deputy Commissioner for Tourism Dan Rowe. 'Travel Media Marketplace is a great opportunity to host travel writers and show them all that we have to offer. Being in the mountains in the spring with the azaleas and rhododendrons blooming is sure to wow them.'

Travel Media Marketplace is an annual event hosted by the Tourism Division of GDEcD to showcase the very best that Georgia has to offer to travel media from around the United States. Past Marketplace events have been held in Savannah, Athens, Macon and Atlanta.

The 2007 event will kick off in Towns County, where writers have the opportunity to visit Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest peak and the Stage 7 finish for the 2007 Tour of Georgia, enjoy wine tasting at Crane Creek Vineyards and tour the Georgia Mountain Fair's Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens. Writers can play a round of golf or horseback ride at Brasstown Valley Resort or stroll through the quaint shops of Hiawassee. They will enjoy the phenomenal accommodations at Brasstown Valley Resort, overlooking the beautiful Blue Ridge mountain range, or on Lake Chatuge at the Ridge's Resort and Club.

During the Marketplace, writers can meet with representatives from the host community as well as GDEcD's regional representatives and tourism entities from around the state. Travel Media Marketplace will provide a glimpse into all that Georgia has to offer - from its rich history, arts and culture to the exciting adventures, entertainment and destinations. As the formal Marketplace event concludes, GDEcD staff will escort journalists on themed tours across Georgia.

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