Get the 2015 Georgia Travel Guide with Fried Green Tomatoes
2015 Georgia Travel Guide
On January 27, 2015, Georgia’s Governor Nathan Deal met with Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Commissioner Chris Carr and Georgia’s tourism industry leaders for the annual Tourism, Hospitality & Arts Day at the state Capitol where Gov. Deal revealed the cover of Georgia’s official 2015 state travel guide.
Our pal Governor Deal presented the latest travel guide to Georgia — a full-color, magazine-size guide that features a cover photo with Georgia residents and famed chefs Hugh Acheson and “Mama Louise” Hudson on historic Jekyll Island.
The guide provides visitors with information on Georgia’s tourism, including trip ideas, attractions, accommodations, events and more. 700,000 guides will be distributed through the state’s 11 Visitor Information Centers, ExploreGeorgia.org, travel and trade shows and 1-800-VISIT GA.
The Whistle Stop Café in Juliet, GA. The home of Fried Green Tomatoes and dang good food. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland
Tourism representatives gave the governor a great big phony check that would bounce like Santa’s belly that they hoped would represent the $2.8 billion in state tax revenue generated from tourism-related expenditures in 2013.
That would buy enough fried green tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café in Juliet, Georgia, for all y’all.
While we appreciate the intent, we’re not sure giving the governor a bad check for a few billion dollars is the best way to say thanks. We believe a free copy of the travel guide would be just fine, thank you.
Governor Deal — a kind man who didn’t blink an eye at accepting the bogus check — said, “With an overall economic impact of $53.6 billion, tourism in Georgia spurs growth in nearly every community across the state. Each year, the industry attracts visitors from around the world and directly benefits thousands of Georgia households by sustaining more than 411,000 jobs, making up 10.2 percent of the state’s workforce.”
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Restaurant in Juliet, GA. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland
“The tourism industry is a huge contributor to Georgia’s entire economic well-being,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. “Our tourism assets not only draw in millions of visitors, but they also create a better quality of life for those who call Georgia home as well as increasing investment opportunities by making Georgia a great place to live and do business.”
Please Note: We finally figured out why the Georgia Department of Economic Development is abbreviated “GDEcD” instead of DED. Thank you.
This year, GDEcD’s tourism division is celebrating the flavors of Georgia by showcasing the state’s culinary experiences and highlighting unique local flavors, notable chefs, award-winning restaurants, agritourism destinations and much more.
The tourism division’s culinary initiative will be applied across multiple promotional platforms, including ExploreGeorgia.org, social media channels, marketing materials, advertising opportunities, special events and the travel guide.
The division is also launching a new creative marketing campaign that features sleek
Y’all come back for more Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Restaurant in Juliet, GA. ~~ Photograph by Robert Sutherland
designs, vibrant photography and inspiring content, all of which is based around the overall theme of “Pretty. Sweet.”
“Georgia’s culinary offerings are wonderful complements to our already world-class lineup of destinations and attractions,” said GDEcD Deputy Commissioner for Tourism Kevin Langston. “This year’s cover is an opportunity to put a spotlight on Georgia’s culinary tourism offerings and to provide visitors and locals with a true taste of Georgia.”
About The Georgia Department of Economic Development
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) plans, manages and mobilizes state resources to attract new business investment to Georgia, drive the expansion of existing industry and small business, locate new markets for Georgia products, inspire tourists to visit Georgia and promote the state as a top destination for arts events and film, music and digital entertainment projects.