ATHENS NOW // CVB NEWSLETTER

February 2021

Newsmakers // Opportunities // New Developments in Tourism

81% Making Travel Plans

Current temps still feel very much like winter, but according to Destination Analysts,

"it looks like Spring has arrived for Americans’ travel sentiment. . . . Americans remain in a state of readiness for travel and openness to travel inspiration that is greater than any other period in the last 11 months. [For the week of Feb. 8], 81.2% of American travelers report they have at least tentative trip plans right now, and 60% have taken some action in the planning tasks for their next trip."

The CVB will be investing in paid campaigns for both spring and summer leisure travel to encourage target audiences in our drive market to consider Athens as they venture out again. We are also investing in ads and trade shows for group travel to get meetings, conventions, sports back on the books.


BUREAU UPDATES

The Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau incorporated as Visit Athens, Inc., a 501c6 organization, effective January 1, 2021. We will continue to serve as the official CVB. All staff remains the same.

A 10-member board of directors represents Athens-Clarke County business, community, and hospitality. We are currently working with the Fanning Institute to establish board governance. The board will advocate for tourism in Athens and provide oversight to the CVB organization. In 2021, a 3-year strategic plan will be created with the support of an industry consultant to guide sales, marketing, and destination development strategies. 

Questions? Contact CVB Director Katie Williams, kwilliams@VisitAthensGA.com.


 

Athens in the News

Athens represents Georgia in not one, but two current roundups of a great destination in each of the 50 states.


 

Attn. Planners: BOOK NOW!

Just as individuals are longing for vacations, meeting & event professionals are anxiously waiting for group travel & events to resume. But . . . don't wait too long, or the remaining dates in 2021 and into 2022 -2023 may be gone.

 

BOOK YOUR DATES>>

 

HOSPITALITY NEWSMAKERS

 

The past year has been especially rough on restaurants, and we want to celebrate these noteworthy expansions.

  • Athens native and restauranteur Peter Dale is opening a second location of Maepole, near Georgia State University in Atlanta's Summerhill neighborhood.
  • Alumni Cookie Dough owners and UGA alumni Jennifer and Mike Dollander are branching out with their first franchise location in Marietta.
  • Atlanta favorite Flying Biscuit is opening its first Athens location, on Prince Ave. in Normaltown.

LOOK WHO'S COMING TO TOWN:

  • SEC Women's Swimming Championships: February 17-20 @ Gabrielsen Natatorium 
  • Deep South Spirit Peach Classic: February 20 @ Classic Center
  • USTA Georgia Adult 40 & Over State Championship: June 4-7 (various tennis facilities in ACC)

NEW @ VISITATHENSGA.COM

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We encourage all partners to use our Partner Extranet to submit offers and events. Additionally, please ensure that Director of Marketing & Communications Hannah Smith, hsmith@VisitAthensGA.com is on your media list to receive updates.