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PEACHBYTE |
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COVID-19 Update 4.16.2020 |
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COVID-19 Update from Explore Georgia
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We’re nearing the end of another work week, where our daily routines have adapted to help contain COVID-19. Like many of you, the Explore Georgia team is adjusting to remote work. While we may not be under one roof, we’re working together each day to find new ways to keep our state in the minds of travelers, make plans for recovery, and be a means of support for you.
As the tourism industry is faced with one of the toughest challenges in its existence, we’re inspired by the many organizations and people who stay positive and find the good. Across the state, we have seen numerous signs of hope and support happening for and by the travel industry, our workers, and the local community.
A local business owner in Augusta created a campaign to encourage community spending called “Reunion.” They are giving away shirts to anyone that provides a $20 receipt from a local restaurant or business. The Classic Center in Athens turned into a factory to create disinfectant spray and has been able to hire displaced employees. The owners at Sand Bar on Tybee Island removed $3,714 worth of bills stapled to the walls to give to unemployed staff. Dunwoody’s iconic “Everything Will Be OK” mural is now available in the form of yard signs sold as a fundraiser to help artists and art teachers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Since the Hinesville farmers market is closed, the Liberty County CVB put together subscription boxes – with fresh produce, honey and soap – for sale. And these are just a few of the amazing examples we have seen.
By supporting our communities, we sustain them, ensuring that when travel resumes, we have local restaurants, shops, and experiences that we can continue to share with the world.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Cheryl Hargrove or Sarah Anne Steadman-Rhodes on our Industry and Partner Relations team, or any member of the Explore Georgia team.
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Explore Georgia from Home Campaign
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Over the past two weeks, we have worked to expand the Explore Georgia from Home campaign. This unique effort encourages social distancing while still providing inspiration to our audience. On ExploreGeorgia.org, we have created a dedicated page that houses all of our content for Explore Georgia from Home, making it easier to navigate and share.
We’ve also added new content: a collection of digital puzzles featuring some of Georgia’s iconic destinations and experiences, themed Spotify playlists featuring Georgia musicians, and a list of food and beverage lessons and demos from top chefs and mixologists. The Free Explore Georgia Virtual Backgrounds for Zoom have already received nearly 8,000 pageviews since they were published.
As we continue to share “moments of Zen” and good news stories on our social media channels, engagement rates continue to grow, and it’s clear that we’re filling a much-needed escape for visitors.
If you have virtual experiences, good news stories, or content ideas please send them to our social media manager, Parker Whidby at pwhidby@georgia.org. Thank you for continuing to follow along and share stories from your destination or business by using #ExploreGeorgiafromHome.
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Register for Extranet Training
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The Brand + Content Studio team is here to help you prepare for recovery and maximize your reach when travel resumes. To do so, we’ve arranged to host one-on-one Zoom training to update or create your listings on ExploreGeorgia.org. During this time, you’ll work with our team to review, improve, or establish your listings on our website using our partner extranet. Your listings on ExploreGeorgia.org are an important tool that drive traffic back to you and allow us to share your listing on our own platforms.
The training sessions are available for one hour, Monday through Friday, April 20 - May 22. Never used our extranet or Zoom before? Don’t worry, we’ll help walk you through it.
To schedule the best time that works for you, reach out directly to Lori Hennesy, our partner content specialist at lhennesy@georgia.org.
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Resource Roundup
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Below is a list of recent research reports and webinars concerning the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry that we’ve found helpful and informative. A complete and up-to-date list can be found on the COVID-19 information page on the Explore Georgia Tourism Industry Portal.
Resources:
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Google My Business: This document outlines options and best practices for using Google My Business amid COVID-19 restrictions and shutdowns, as well as setting your business up for success during recovery.
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U.S. Travel Association: A comprehensive COVID-19 toolkit with detailed update on the CARES Act and newly added sections on the Treasury Department’s Exchange Stabilization Fund, including the Municipal Bond Facility and the Main Street Lending Program (April 14, 2020)
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U.S. Department of Homeland/Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency: Risk Management Assessment for COVID-19
Research:
Webinars:
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“Managing Your Destination and Supporting Your Tourism Industry Through the COVID-19 Crisis” Virtual Forum Day 3 Webinar. Watch replay and access slide deck here. (Updated April 13)
Articles:
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This page is part of the electronic travel newsletter program brought to you by Georgia Department of Economic Development, 75 Fifth Street N.W., Suite 1200, Atlanta, GA 30308 © 2020, GDEcD. All Rights Reserved. All other marks belong to their respective owners. All materials Copyright © 2020 by ExploreGeorgia.org
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