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What is Explore Georgia (GA Tourism)?
Explore Georgia is the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Its primary mission is to plan, promote, and position Georgia as a top-tier destination for visitors from around the world.
The organization works to stimulate economic growth by showcasing the state's diverse attractions, from its mountains and coastline to its vibrant cities and historic sites. It serves as a central resource for potential tourists and provides marketing support and partnership opportunities for local tourism businesses, including vacation rental operators.
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How it works
Explore Georgia employs a multi-faceted marketing strategy that includes digital advertising, social media campaigns, public relations, and content creation through its website, ExploreGeorgia.org. It operates several official Visitor Information Centers at key entry points to the state, offering travel advice and materials.
For tourism businesses, Explore Georgia offers a partner program that allows properties and attractions to be listed on its official travel site. This partnership enhances visibility and provides businesses with access to market research, promotional opportunities, and educational resources to help them better connect with travelers.
Why it matters
For vacation rental owners and managers in Georgia, collaborating with Explore Georgia is a strategic move to increase visibility and drive bookings. A listing on the state's official tourism website lends credibility and exposes a property to a large, targeted audience of travelers actively planning a trip to Georgia.
This can lead to an increase in direct bookings, reducing reliance on third-party channels. Furthermore, the resources provided by Explore Georgia can help hosts stay informed about state-wide tourism trends and marketing initiatives.
Examples
- A host with a collection of cabins in Helen, GA, lists their properties on ExploreGeorgia.org, which helps them attract visitors during the town's popular Oktoberfest celebration.
- A property manager in Savannah uses market research from Explore Georgia to create blog content about the city's historic districts, aligning their marketing with state tourism promotions.
- An owner of a beachfront condo on Tybee Island participates in an Explore Georgia co-op advertising program to reach potential guests in key drive markets like Atlanta and Charlotte.
- During a slow period, a vacation rental owner in the Blue Ridge mountains checks Explore Georgia's events calendar and promotes their property to attendees of a nearby music festival.
Frequently asked questions
How can I list my vacation rental on Explore Georgia's website?+
Is there a fee to be listed as a partner with Explore Georgia?+
What kind of resources does Explore Georgia provide to its partners?+
Related terms
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Agritourism
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Cultural Tourism
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