Georgia On My Mind

Hi, Y’all was the warm welcome that a group of 30 travel trade VIPs received from a delegation of more that a dozen tourism officials from Georgia who were in Toronto to say ‘thanks’ to their partners and update them on a host of new tourism developments in the state.

It was also an evening that featured the bluegrass music of Russell Moore and Wayne Benson, better known as IIIrd Tyme Out; the story-telling of Jonah McDonald; and more music, Georgia-inspired, of course, from Toronto duo, The Command Sisters.

Lisa Love, division director tourism of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, told the crowd that Canada was a big market for Georgia, sending 500,000 visitors to the state each year.

Tracy Vaughan, director, business development & international accounts, tourism for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, noted as well that the evening was about recognizing how important a market Canada was to Georgia and “to give Canadians more reasons to visit [the state].”

Air Canada was one of the sponsors of the evening and AC’s director of sales, eastern Canada, Steve Goodfellow praised Georgia for being a “strong strategic” partner for the airline.

Savannah was in the spotlight for the evening with Visit Savannah’s president, Joseph Marinelli told his audience that Canada is Savannah’s number one feeder market, with visitor traffic originating primarily from Ontario and Toronto.

As for final thoughts, Love summed it up, telling the gathering: “We’re here tonight to build friendships and strengthen partnerships.”

In the photo

Seen here, from l to r, are Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tracy Vaughan; Air Canada’s Steve Goodfellow; Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Lisa Love; and Visit Savanah’s Joseph Marinelli.