FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Emily Murray
Georgia Department of Economic Development
404-962-4078
emurray@georgia.org
New campaign highlights pet-friendly travel across the state
ATLANTA, Sept. 26, 2016 – Georgia Tourism, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, announced today the launch of its new social media campaign #ExploreGeorgiaPup. The campaign will focus on and encourage pet-friendly travel around the state with trip ideas, itineraries and social media “dogfluencers” as well as partnerships with Georgia State Parks, tourism partners, local pet companies and more. The campaign will run through mid-November.
“Pet-friendly travel is on the rise across the travel industry and our goal with this new campaign is to encourage visitors to explore Georgia’s unique tourism offerings with the entire family,” said Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner of tourism at the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Georgia is filled with pet-friendly accommodations, attractions, businesses and restaurants that allow travelers the ability to bring their pet along with them. We want to show visitors from around the world that they don’t have to leave their pet at home when exploring Georgia.”
During the campaign, social media fans can share their photos using #ExploreGeorgiaPup for a chance to win branded puppy swag and enter the exclusive contest with Barnsley Resort that includes a two-night stay in a pet-friendly suite for you and your furry friend. The campaign’s many pet-friendly travel elements include:
· Ten city guides with where to stay, play and eat, each told in pictures by an #ExploreGeorgiaPup.
· An Instagram focused photo contest that will encourage users to use #ExploreGeorgiaPup and share their photos of Fido exploring the state.
· Branded giveaways including park pet kits, dog tags and Frisbees will be awarded to people sharing their photos.
· Partnering with Georgia State Parks to promote their new “Tails on Trails Club” and pet-friendly cabins.
Explore Georgia will also be working to help homeless dogs and cats during the campaign. Georgia’s state dog is the adoptable dog, and the #ExploreGeorgiaPup campaign will encourage visitors to adopt, volunteer or support our local shelters.
The new social media campaign will be spread across all of Explore Georgia’s social media channels. Fans can follow @ExploreGeorgia on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To find more information on #ExploreGeorgiaPup, visit the new #ExploreGeorgiaPup page on ExploreGeorgia.org.
Dublin GA featured as part of #ExploreGeorgiaPup Campaign
Dublin was selected as one of ten examples of pet-friendly destinations in Georgia and will be featured on the new #ExploreGeorgiaPup website on ExploreGeorgia.org. Explore all the pet-friendly destinations in Dublin GA by visiting Dublin’s Pet Friendly Guide.
“Visit Dublin GA was delighted to be selected as a featured city. Our 
board of directors, Dublin Downtown Development Authority, the City of Dublin, Dublin-Laurens Recreation Authority, and locally owned businesses across Laurens County have worked hard over the past three years to develop amenities and attractions that make Dublin a destination for pet-friendly travel,” said Rebecca McWilliam, director of tourism, Visit Dublin GA. “A special thanks to Lindsay and Steven Black and their precious Lily Belle, a bichon frise who spent an entire day exploring the best of Dublin’s pet-friendly locations and is Dublin’s spokesdog.”
Attractions and businesses highlighted include: Dublin’s Visitors Information Center, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Smith’s Jewelers, Peter’s Place, Stubbs Park, Company Supply, and more.
Highlight your pet’s adventures in Dublin and Georgia by using #ExploreGeorgiaPup and #DublinGA to be featured on Visit Dublin GA’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, aligning workforce education and training with in-demand jobs, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a destination for arts and location for film, music and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. www.georgia.org
