Georgia’s free, annual publication aimed at inspiring travel to and within the state is now available.
“In every corner of Georgia, residents and visitors alike can find memorable experiences that will keep them coming back,” said governor Brian Kemp. “This year's travel guide does an excellent job highlighting the sights and people that make the Peach State such a welcoming place.”
Kemp and Explore Georgia, the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, unveiled the 2023 Explore Georgia Official State Travel Guide on Feb. 13.
The latest edition features four different covers. The four covers represent the key destination types data has shown travelers are most interested in visiting, including:
- Providence Canyon State Park in Lumpkin
- Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville
- Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island
- Savannah’s waterfront
In addition to editorial coverage of metro Atlanta, the guide features destinations outside metro Atlanta in more than 75 percent of the content.
Also new this year is the inclusion of QR codes throughout the publication, which offer readers access to more content and trip ideas on the Explore Georgia website.
“The 2023 travel guide features more in-depth storytelling than ever before and increased distribution in new places like the Georgia Aquarium and LakePoint Sports. This growth will advance our goals of driving ever-increasing levels of visitation and visitor spending across our state in the years to come,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development deputy commissioner for Tourism, Mark Jaronski.
Explore Georgia increased circulation of this year's guide by 50 percent compared to 2022 to meet increased travel and consumer demand.
The 750,000 guides are distributed to consumers online at the Explore Georgia website, by phone at 1-800-VISIT-GA, on-site at the nine Georgia Visitor Information Centers, and through a statewide network of tourism partners.
“From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Golden Isles, Georgia is a beautiful state with destinations and experiences for everyone,” said Pat Wilson, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “When Georgians and visitors alike set out to enjoy that beauty and create memories, they support businesses across the state, generating jobs and tax revenues that benefit our communities, while experiencing a Georgia hospitality that will welcome them back again and again.”
In 2021, Georgia welcomed nearly 160 million visitors, resulting in $34.4 billion in direct visitor spending. The impact of this visitation on the economy generated more than $4 billion in state and local tax revenues and $64.5 billion in total economic impact.
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