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COVID-19 Update from Explore Georgia
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Over the past few months, we’ve seen fluctuations in traveler sentiment, but also the beginnings of a very modest, steady recovery for the travel industry in Georgia. Fewer restrictions and pent-up demand have empowered some travelers to begin exploring the state on cautious summer road trips. May and June saw record-breaking traffic on ExploreGeorgia.org, demonstrating that there is great interest in travel, and weekly travel spending in Georgia has remained 75%-80% above the national average.
While some traveler sentiment momentum may be stagnating, we know travelers are still moving around the state and are actively planning future trips. The Explore Georgia team continues to track the latest research and trends and share them with you in the COVID-19 Dashboard. The latest edition for May and June is available now on the Tourism Industry Portal.
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One critical consideration right now is making sure that potential travelers feel safe in our state. This is why it is so important to join the Georgia Safety Promise, led by the Office of the Governor. Nearly 1,000 businesses throughout the state have signed on and are actively demonstrating to their customers that they’re taking safety seriously.
Thanks to the generous donation from the Outdoor Advertising Association of Georgia, billboards have been deployed throughout the state encouraging all residents and visitors to keep Georgia safe and open by wearing masks, keeping distance, and washing hands. If you haven’t already signed up, please commit to the promise and encourage your community partners to do the same.
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VIC Update
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The reopening test in our Augusta and West Point Visitor Information Centers (VICs) has been very successful. Given that success, earlier this week we reopened the VICs in Lavonia, Ringgold, Tallapoosa and Columbus.
The reopening of the VICs remains predicated on the most up-to-date public health guidelines from the Governor’s office and the Georgia Department of Public Health. Should new guidance be issued, the VICs will comply accordingly. As we test and adjust how to best to operate the VICs safely and effectively for staff and guests, and in accordance with the Governor’s orders, we plan to continue to reopen more of our VICs.
We appreciate your patience and support as we work to reopen these valuable and essential pieces of the state’s tourism outreach. If you have any questions, please contact Director of Visitor Services Brittney Gray at bgray@georgia.org.
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Resource Roundup
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Staying informed about the impact of COVID-19 in the tourism and hospitality industry can be a challenge given the sheer volume of information, research, and resources available. To save you some time, we've culled through the most recent information, read the research and articles, and attended the webinars.
Gain insights on traveler sentiment and attitudes from Destination Analysts, Longwoods International, MMGY, and others; follow data about traveler expenditures and industry economic impacts from Tourism Economics and Oxford Economics; find links to U.S. Travel Association resources; and much more on the Explore Georgia Tourism Industry Portal.
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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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