Mission & History of the Alliance

Mission: The mission of the Tourism Development Alliance of Georgia is to foster economic development, unify the industry’s collective voice, strengthen industry clout and provide value to its members by:

• Creating awareness, at the community level, of the economic opportunities created by the tourism industry on local & statewide economies.
• Providing educational opportunities for tourism leaders on industry issues and initiatives.
• Advocating tourism industry policy issues at the local, state & federal levels.
• Facilitating partnerships between the various stakeholder organizations that benefit from tourist expenditures across the public, private & social sectors of Georgia.

Benchmarks for Success:

• Increased tourism funding for GDEcD by $3 million over 3 years
• Passed Hotel Tax Reform to further define tourism promotion and create accountability for local governments
• Creation of the Georgia Tourism Foundation
• Integration of tourism into existing incentive programs
• Official recognition of tourism as one of 6 strategic industries to grow Georgia’s economy
• Creation of standing committees in the House and Senate on Economic Development
• Affiliation with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce
• 2006 National Recognition by the Southern Governor’s Association as a best practice in Tourism Advocacy and Education

Member Benefits:

• Monthly reports on Georgia Tourism
• Monthly reports on legislation affecting the tourism industry
• Voting member on TDAG’s public policy platform
• Legislative support on bills affecting TDAG members
• Weekly legislative updates on Georgia Tourism during the legislative session Local assistance on hotel tax policy

The Alliance was founded to increase awareness of the importance of tourism to the state of Georgia’s economy.     The Alliance strives to create support for tourism by collaborating with tourism industry businesses, as well as engaging with the business and economic development community, state agencies and elected officials.

Point of Difference:

As an independent voice for effective tourism policy, the Alliance has the ability to partner with key membership organizations within Georgia related to business, economic development, government, and tourism. 

This ability to partner with organizations across the spectrum, uniquely positions the Alliance to act as a catalyst to generate support & understanding of the positive economic impact tourism provides for all the citizens of Georgia.

Highlights & Accomplishments

November, 2002	The inaugural Tourism Summit attended by 175 tourism and business leaders. President Jimmy Carter provided the Keynote Address. The Alliance Agenda for Action was developed.
January, 2003	Acting on the recommendations of the House Tourism Study Committee, Speaker Terry Coleman creates the House Economic Development & Tourism Committee to be chaired by Rep. Butch Parrish. Sen. Jeff Mullis selected to chair the Senate Economic Development & Tourism Committee. Governor Perdue names Tourism Taskforce as part of the Commission for a New Georgia.
March, 2003	Working with its Strategic Partners, the Alliance coordinate Tourism Day at the Capitol.
September, 2003	The Alliance, GACVB, GEDA, and GA Chamber adopt consistent legislative agenda in support of GDITT Board of Directors Tourism Policy Initiatives.
January, 2004	GA Chamber Chair names tourism as a strategic initiative for 2004. The Alliance publishes Guide for Building Community Support for Tourism. Georgia Magazine runs cover story on the Alliance.
May, 2004	General Assembly concludes a landmark session for the tourism industry. House Bill 1415 and increased funding for tourism promotion among the legislative highlights.
September, 2004	Alliance transforms from a loose coalition to a membership-based organization. As Chair of the Southern Governor's Conference, Governor Perdue names tourism as key initiative for 2005.
November, 2004	Alliance becomes an affiliate of the GA Chamber of Commerce.