The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourism division announced that it has awarded $116,744 in product development grants to 16 new and expanding tourism projects across the state.
 
“We are thrilled to announce this new round of funding for communities that have participated in our Tourism Product Development Resource Team program,” said Kevin Langston, Deputy Commissioner of Tourism for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “The grant recipients reflect a variety of exciting and creative tourism projects that will attract and serve visitors throughout the state.”
 
Since its inception, Georgia Tourism’s Product Development team has served 60 counties, cities, private for-profits and non-profits throughout the state in areas ranging from agritourism to downtown development.
 
“Funding is one of the greatest needs in fortifying tourism product development,” said Cindy Eidson, Director of Tourism Product Development for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “By making grants available to support projects that our Resource Teams help inspire, we are investing in the growth of tourism and jobs in communities across the state.”
 
Recipients of the Cycle I 2018 Tourism Product Development Resource Team Grant Funding Program include:
 
·         Athens Downtown Development Authority—Wild Rumpus Parade & Spectacle

·         Brooks County Development Authority—A Camellia City Festival: Winter in the Garden Event

·         Chattooga County—Paradise Gardens Foundation Air BnB

·         City of Cuthbert—The Magic of Murals

·         City of Darien—Kumbaya Book and Marketing Materials

·         City of Kingston—The City of Kingston Heritage Tourism Project

·         City of Stockbridge—Green Front Café Identification Project

·         City of Toccoa—Downtown Wayfinding Signage: Phase II

·         Dublin Downtown Development Authority—Telfair Street Building Renovation (Gallery, DIY Painting Event Space & Youth Arts Outreach Program)

·         Eatonton Putnam Downtown Development Authority—Briar Patch Pocket Parks Phase 3

·         Liberty County Development Authority—Dorchester Kiosks – telling MLK, Jr.’s connection to Dorchester

·         Pike County Board of Commissioners—Pike County Map

·         Sandersville School Building Authority—Fall Movie Series

·         Senoia Downtown Development Authority—Senoia Tourism Branding Initiative

·         Washington County Board of Commissioners—Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center Improvements

·         White County Board of Commissioners—Yonah Preserve Trails
 
The Georgia Tourism review panel consists of members from the public and private sector as well as fellow professionals who are experienced in the tourism industry or the type of grant being reviewed.