Based in Atlanta, United States
We are the Georgia Hospitality & Travel Association, a unified voice dedicated to championing the interests of Georgia's vibrant tourism and hospitality sector. From the bustling cityscapes to the tranquil coastlines and charming mountain towns, our mission is to cultivate a favorable environment where hotels, restaurants, attractions, travel agencies, and related businesses can thrive, contributing significantly to Georgia's economic prosperity and quality of life. Our organization exists to unite stakeholders from across the hospitality and travel landscape. We bring together accommodation providers, from boutique inns to large-scale resorts, alongside diverse food and beverage establishments, captivating tourism attractions, convention and visitors bureaus, transportation services, and essential industry suppliers. By connecting these varied interests, we strive to create a powerful collective force dedicated to propelling the industry forward, promoting Georgia as a premier travel destination, and enriching the overall visitor experience. Advocacy is at the heart of what we do. We work tirelessly on behalf of our members at the Georgia State Capitol and with local government bodies. We monitor legislation, advocate for critical issues such as tourism funding, address taxation concerns, support workforce development, push for infrastructure improvements, and navigate regulatory matters that impact the hospitality and travel sectors. Our goal is to ensure policies that foster industry growth and alleviate operational burdens, allowing businesses to flourish. We collaborate closely with the Georgia Department of Economic Development's Tourism Division (Explore Georgia) and local destination marketing organizations to promote Georgia as a leading destination. Together, we develop and support effective marketing strategies to attract leisure and business travelers, as well as meetings and conventions, to all corners of our diverse state. From the mountains to the coast, we showcase the unique experiences Georgia has to offer. Recognizing the importance of a skilled and professional workforce, we champion initiatives aimed at enhancing hospitality and tourism education and training. We support academic programs, offer professional development seminars and workshops, and promote careers within the industry to cultivate Georgia's talent pipeline. By investing in our workforce, we ensure that Georgia remains a welcoming and exceptional destination for visitors. We provide essential platforms for members to connect, collaborate, and share best practices. Regular meetings, conferences, trade shows, and online forums foster a strong sense of community, enabling peer-to-peer learning and the development of strategic partnerships across the industry. Together, we learn from each other and build a stronger, more resilient hospitality and travel sector. We offer valuable resources to our members, including industry research, market data, legal updates, operational guidance, and access to cost-saving programs. This support aims to help businesses of all sizes improve their efficiency, profitability, and guest satisfaction. We are committed to providing the tools and resources our members need to succeed in a competitive market. We encourage the adoption of high standards of quality, service excellence, and sustainable tourism practices among our members. This commitment enhances Georgia's reputation as a welcoming and responsible destination, protecting its natural and cultural assets for future generations. We believe that sustainable tourism is essential for preserving Georgia's beauty and ensuring its long-term appeal to visitors. Ultimately, the Georgia Hospitality & Travel Association is dedicated to ensuring that Georgia's hospitality and travel industry remains a leading economic driver, a major employer, and a source of pride for all Georgians. We are the indispensable partner for businesses committed to shaping a vibrant future for tourism in the Peach State. We unite to showcase the best of Georgia.
