BRUNSWICK & THE GOLDEN ISLES OF GEORGIA – A coastal Georgia icon will cast its beacon worldwide with the release of the state's new travel guide. The St. Simons Island Lighthouse is featured on the cover of the 2008 Georgia Travel Guide, the official guide for Georgia tourism.

According to Michael Johnson, Chairman of the Brunswick-Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau, the 2008 guide is the first to feature St. Simons Island. "With more than a million visitors each year, Brunswick and the Golden Isles – St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island – are a premier travel destination for Georgia travelers," Johnson said. "We are pleased and honored to represent Georgia tourism by being featured on the cover of the state's flagship visitors guide."

The cover was unveiled during a special ceremony attended by representatives of the Georgia Dept. of Economic Development (GDEcD); Atlanta Magazine, which publishes the annual guide; Glynn County Commissioners, and the Georgia Coastal Travel Association.

"Our state travel guide is an essential part of our tourism marketing efforts," said Charlie Gatlin, Deputy Commissioner for Tourism and Marketing, GDEcD. "It serves as our main fulfillment piece, and encourages travelers and Georgians to explore our state. The guide's cover represents Georgia and must be bold, attractive and appealing to all audiences. We are thrilled to highlight one of Georgia's most cherished assets on the cover of the 2008 state Travel Guide. We hope visitors will pick up the travel guide and see all there is to do in Georgia, including a visit to Georgia's coast to see the spectacular St. Simons Island lighthouse."

According to GDEcD, 850,000 copies of the state travel guide will be printed in 2008. This represents an increase of 100,000 copies over 2007. The guides are distributed through consumer orders online at www.georgia.org/travel or via the toll-free number, 800-VISIT GA. The travel guide alsois distributed at Georgia's 11 Visitor Information Centers located on major arteries throughout the state, at the 42 regional Welcome Centers, and at consumer and industry trade shows in the U.S.

An abbreviated version of the guide is produced in five foreign languages: UK English, German, Spanish, Korean and Chinese. Foreign-language versions of the guide also are being developed in Japanese and Portuguese. The international guides are distributed through the state's foreign offices, group tour operators and at international trade shows.

The domestic version of the guide includes 216 pages, and is divided into sections, each representing one of nine tourism marketing regions in the state. Each section includes a map and introductory feature as well as comprehensive listings of the region's attractions, visitor resources and lodging. The guide also includes feature articles that promote various aspects of the visitor experience: Southern Goodness: Key foods in Georgia's culture; The Show Must Go On: Georgia renovates and saves its theaters; Fun on the Water: Activities on and near the water abound across the state; One of a Kind: the products of craftsmen are abundant in Georgia and Fruits of Labor: Georgia's luscious produce offers great eating and entertainment.

"These and other themes support our integrated marketing plan, which include Georgia Made and Georgia Grown, driving trails, cultural and culinary tourism," said Fred Huff, Director of Marketing, GDEcD. "Our print, broadcast and online advertising share the same themes which enhance our brand recognition. For example, the Georgia Dept. of Transportation map (1.3 million copies) and AAA Guides to Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina (3 million copies) include Georgia driving trails, with supporting online itineraries."

Though specific numbers are not available, Huff says the travel guide's economic impact is significant. "While there are no specific numbers regarding the return on investment, we do measure through unique web addresses, online requests and calls. In 2008 there will be further integration between the print edition and our new consumer web site."

Governor Sonny Perdue will introduce the Georgia Tourism Guide on Georgia Tourism Day, Jan. 29, during a special ceremony at the state capitol in Atlanta.

Built in 1872, the St. Simons Island Lighthouse and adjoining keeper's cottage are the oldest standing brick structures in Glynn County. Owned and operated by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, the lighthouse and keepers cottage are part of a museum that is open to the public. In spring 2008, the Society will open the new A.W. Jones Heritage Center, which will include exhibition galleries, state-of-the-art research library, multipurpose meeting room and museum store. A permanent exhibit in the center will include information about the 2004 Sea Island G8 Summit, and will highlight Georgia's commercial, political and cultural ties to the world.

The Coastal Georgia Historical Society also operates the Maritime Center at the Historic Coast Guard Station on St. Simons Island's East Beach.  For more information, contact the Society at (912) 638-4666 or visit them online at www.saintsimonslighthouse.org.

The Brunswick-Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau is the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Glynn County on the Georgia coast. Through an array of marketing programs and activities, the Brunswick-Golden Isles CVB encourages travel to the mainland port city of Brunswick and five barrier islands: St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. For travel information, contact them at (800) 933-COAST (2627) or visit them online at ComeCoastAwhile.com.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Stefanie Paupeck, Communications Specialist

Georgia Dept. of Economic Development (GDEcD)

Phone: (404) 962-4075

Email:

Patrick Saylor, Public Relations Director
Brunswick-Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau

Phone: (912) 230-5030

Email:

NOTE: A color photograph of the 2008 Georgia Tourism Guide cover is available via email. Please contact Patrick Saylor or Stefanie Paupeck.