The Great Lakes of Georgia
Lake:
Nine Corps lakes in the State of Georgia
Partners: USACE;
Gainesville-Hall County CVB; Cartersville-Bartow County CVB; Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites; local CVBs
Corps POC: Brad Keshlear
Story: The Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism provides financial assistance for development of innovative marketing projects that will attract visitors to the State. Non-profit organizations such as local convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs) can develop proposals and make application for funding under this program. Proposals are evaluated using established criteria and those rating the highest are funded in part by the State. This proposal was funded for 92% of the amount requested. There are nine Corps of Engineers lakes in Georgia, which host 36 million visitors annually with annual spending of $672 million. Approximately 4% (1,440,000) stay overnight. In addition to the Corps operated facilities on these lakes, there are 10 state parks and 36 privately owned marinas. The Goal of the project is to increase overnight visitation to the nine Corps lakes through marketing efforts targeting visitors using the recreational businesses surrounding the lakes. Target markets families with kids; empty nesters and active seniors. The marketing program will emphasize overnight accommodations such as resorts, motels, cabins, and camping. Other businesses focused on lake recreation or water sports will also benefit from the promotion. Businesses located within 30 miles of one of the lakes will benefit the most.
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