The Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau will host the Georgia Department of Economic Development Tourism Product Development Resource Team at the Hyatt Place on Thursday, June 7, at 6:00 p.m. to present findings and recommendations.  The CVB encourages tourism partners and media to attend the presentation to hear the team’s report that will provide guidance for future tourism product development in Athens.

Through consultation with GDEcD, the TPDRT visited Athens in November 2017, focusing on music, one of Athens’ most distinguishing features.  The resource team met with key Athens tourism stakeholders – including venue managers, talent buyers, the Downtown Development Authority, Athens-Clarke County Economic Development, Athensmade, hoteliers, festival planners, representatives from the University of Georgia and ACC Mayor & Commission – to hear thoughts on the current state of Athens as a music destination and what could be done to enhance it in the future.

GDEcD offers grant funding to communities that participate in the department’s Tourism Product Development Resource Team Program as a way to build product outlined in the resource team’s reports.  The TPDRTP works to evaluate a community’s potential for tourism growth and development through innovative and unique experiences based on a community’s local culture and heritage.  The recommendations and financial support provided through this funding program are designed to spur tourism development activities at the local level that maintain and create jobs, attract tourists and enhance the visitor experience.

“We are excited to welcome back this group of 12 experts and professionals who met with over 70 local Athenians who participated as hosts, speakers, sponsors or local expert attendees.  This is an incredible opportunity for Athens to benefit from a professional assessment of what Athens does best and what it could become in the future,” said CVB Director Chuck Jones.  “Our work today will ensure that Athens continues to grow to be the best destination it can be.”