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COVID-19 Update from Explore Georgia
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Friends and Colleagues,
As we navigate this period of unprecedented change and uncertainty, all of us at the Georgia Department of Economic Development and Explore Georgia want to assure you of our unwavering commitment and support to each of you and Georgia’s vital tourism industry. We are here for you. As your state tourism agency, we are actively monitoring the effects that COVID-19 is having on our industry and are working on plans that ensure we can come out stronger on the other side of this global crisis.
Earlier this week, The White House issued guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19. Those guidelines include avoiding social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people, avoiding eating or drinking in bars, restaurants, and food courts, and avoiding discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.
While we know these actions will be detrimental to the tourism industry nationwide, it is our responsibility to follow the guidelines and to encourage our partners and our communities to do the same. If we all comply, we will be successful in slowing the spread of the disease and reducing the number of people infected.
Each of us also plays a critical role in reducing the economic and personal impact we will all face. I encourage you to review the best practices we gathered directly from leaders in the tourism industry, which you can find below. And please follow the guidance of our state leaders regarding best practices for avoiding putting others at risk.
I believe that tourists around the world, including myself, will come through this with a renewed appreciation for traveling, exploring and discovering. Here in Georgia we will be ready to show them the limitless opportunities our state has to offer. By standing in solidarity together, we can be prepared for the worst, rely on each other for hope, and show our visitors, residents, and leaders how resilient our industry is after times of severe crisis.
Now, more than ever, it’s important for us to stay connected and work together. Our staff, while working remotely for the next few weeks, is available to you via phone or email should you need anything.
Be kind to each other, stay healthy, and remain hopeful.
Pat Wilson
Commissioner, Georgia Department of Economic Development
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Amplify the Good
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While we will continue to keep all Explore Georgia paid advertising and promotional activities paused until further notice, we also know that our visitors are spending more time online and are eager for quality content. With that knowledge, we’ve decided to begin engaging our visitors on social, and we need your help. We need to collect relevant and interesting content that meets the current moment. Here’s what we’re looking for:
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Virtual destinations: Are there new, engaging ways you’re bringing your destination or attraction to visitors online? Virtual tours? Homeschool lessons? Instagram live Q&A sessions? Share yours with us.
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Feel good stories: Tell us how your tourism community is helping during these uncertain times.
If you have stories or information to share, please email them to Social Media Manager Parker Whidby at pwhidby@georgia.org.
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COVID-19 Study Participation
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The University of Georgia (UGA) Hospitality and Food Industry Management, Agricultural and Applied Economics, and Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management programs are collaborating to conduct a national survey that will explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on future travel behaviors, as well as current and future demand for hospitality services.
Researchers are looking to collaborate with Georgia destination management organizations (DMOs), tourism operators, and hospitality partners in this research effort. The team hopes the results will help toward business recovery efforts when the pandemic subsides.
Explore Georgia supports and is participating in this survey. If you are interested in participating, please contact the UGA Hospitality and Food Industry Management Program at hospitality@uga.edu or at 706-542-0769. Participation in this study is free of charge
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Help for Small Businesses
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| The Georgia District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration just shared the positive news that the State of Georgia declaration has been signed and issued. Georgia small businesses impacted by COVID-19 are now eligible to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Additional information and applications are available here.
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RVIC Conference Canceled
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Following the recommendations by health organizations and our leaders, we have decided to cancel the RVIC Conference scheduled for April 22-24, 2020, in Douglasville. We feel that canceling the conference is the best decision at this time to ensure the safety and well-being of our partners and the public. We have begun the process of issuing refunds to registrants and have confirmed that Douglasville will host the 2021 RVIC Conference on April 21-23, 2021. We appreciate your continued support during this time. If you have any questions, please contact Regional Visitor Services Manager Nija Torrence at ntorrence@georgia.org.
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Industry Event Cancellations/Rescheduling
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- U.S. Civil Rights Movement Sites Symposium (Atlanta) – scheduled for April 16-18; canceled.
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Coastal Georgia Tourism Conference (Savannah) – originally scheduled for April 17 has been rescheduled for November 6, 2020
- Georgia Trail Summit (Augusta) – originally scheduled for May 3-4 has been rescheduled to November 8-9, 2020
If you have additional industry events that have been canceled or rescheduled, please send them to Director of Industry & Partner Relations Cheryl Hargrove at chargrove@georgia.org so we may keep an accurate calendar.
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COVID-19 hotline
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| The State of Georgia has a new COVID-19 hotline. If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility. Hotline: (844) 442-2681.
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Resource Roundup
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We’re sure you are trying to sort through the avalanche of information, research, and opinions circulating in the tourism and hospitality industry regarding the impact of COVID-19. It can be overwhelming and frustrating. So, we’ve culled through the most recent information, read the research and articles, and attended the webinars for you. Below is a roundup of what we consider to be the best, most relevant, and up-to-date information.
Research:
Webinar:
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City/Nation/Place and Ketchum: “Looking Forward as a Tourism Industry Amidst the Uncertainty of COVID-19.” Watch the replay here
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STR: “Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on the U.S. Hotel Industry.” Watch the replay here
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Destinations International: multiple webinars focused on COVID-19. Watch the replays here
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Roger Brooks International: “Dealing With the Coronavirus: What to do immediately to help save your tourism industry, and downtown businesses.” Watch the replay here
Articles:
Forums:
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Explore Georgia Partners Group: Facebook group hosted by Explore Georgia exclusively for tourism and hospitality industry professionals in the state.
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Tourism Industry COVID-19 Resource Group: Facebook group focused on community sharing, created and managed by tourism professionals throughout the country.
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The Travel Tribe: Facebook group created by destination marketer Jennifer Barbee focused on education and information for tourism professionals. Barbee has been conducting Facebook Live events to discuss the latest COVID-19 news and updates.
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