It’s well-known that Covid-19 has hit the tourism industry particularly hard. In Georgia, that means a huge economic driver for the state. Tourism in the Peach State is a $69 billion industry, driving significant growth and revenue for companies in Georgia, and amounting to a huge source of annual economic activity for places like Savannah, Thomasville, the Golden Isles and other areas.
Likely in an effort to jumpstart tourism around the state, Explore Georgia – the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, has announced a vacation giveaway campaign called “Georgia’s Great Escapes Giveaway.” The campaign is showcasing safe travel in the state with “safecation” guides and a chance to win a two-night, three-day getaway to one of five of Georgia’s signature destinations – Atlanta, Blue Ridge, Milledgeville, Savannah and Thomasville.
“The Georgia’s Great Escapes Giveaway was designed to inspire those comfortable with traveling safely now, as well as those dreaming about traveling again soon,” said Mark Jaronski, deputy commissioner of tourism. “Whether they’re ready to go this winter or next year, we recognize how meaningful it is to so many people to explore Georgia with family and friends. From the coast to the mountains and every city, suburb, and rural getaway in between, our communities across the state are ready to welcome visitors for safecations with southern hospitality.”
The campaign will look to capitalize on already increasing travel occurring within and to Georgia. The tourism industry research group Tourism Economics reports that weekly travel spending in Georgia is now 400% higher than at the lowest point during the pandemic. Covid-19 cases may continue to rise or fall in the state, but people’s confidence in their ability to travel safely is growing in most groups. Some groups may not be as concerned about the pandemic, other groups are growing more secure with their avoidance methods – either through a face mask, avoiding crowds or something else.
With nearly a year of vacation “fasting” for many people, future vacation planning is underway, with planning activity at its highest levels since April. Explore Georgia is encouraging people to understand that travels is safe and is recommending visitors, residents and businesses to follow the “Georgia Safety Promise” of wearing a mask, social distancing and washing hands.
Entry into the contest is simple. Visit HERE to view official rules and complete the entry form. The getaway giveaways are redeemable through November of next year, so winners will have plenty of flexibility to choose their timing – including possibly in a post-vaccine environment. The retail value of the five available getaways ranges from $650 to a lap of luxury $1,500 in Savannah.
The giveaway began this week and runs through December 7.
