James May-June 2023 web - Flipbook - Page 11
JIMMY CARTER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM
our destination is well-positioned to continue this momentum as demand
for travel and in-person events grow,” says Executive Director of Visit
Athens Katie Williams. “We’re particularly excited for next year and the
opening of The Classic Center Arena, which we believe will open even
more opportunities in Athens for visitors and meeting planners.”
Adding to Williams’ enthusiasm is Executive Director of The Classic
Center Paul Cramer. “The conventions industry has always been resilient,
and this is especially true for The Classic Center and Athens. With The
Classic Center Arena set to open in 2024, we predict next year will attract
even more visitors and events to Athens and ultimately increase The
Classic Center’s $46 million of economic impact to our local community.”
MET R O ATLANTA SEEING FUTURE S UC C E S S
William Pate, president and CEO of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, is another key Georgia industry player who’s both happy
and optimistic. “Because Governor Kemp kept Georgia open throughout the pandemic, our convention business rebounded more quickly
than many other destinations, giving us a head start on the recovery
in 2021 and 2022,” he says. “Atlanta will welcome 19 major citywide
conventions this year and 22 in 2024, bringing us back to pre-pandemic
levels. We have a robust sports portfolio and host many championship
sporting events during holidays and weekends, which is incremental to
our business portfolio.”
“At the start of the year,” he continues, “we were at 87 percent of
our 2019 levels as leisure and business travel rebound. International
travel is one area that has been slow to return, though we are seeing
progress as Delta Air Lines adds additional routes to and from Atlanta.”
Pate also notes that the CVB “books a majority of our convention
business five to 10 years out, so we have a good view of the future. We
are very optimistic about the industry as our convention calendar is
strong through the end of the decade. Travel sentiment is also high as
we head into spring and summer. The latest Longwoods International
survey shows 93 percent of American travelers have made plans to
travel in the next six months.”
Liz Crisafi, Global Vice President of Marketing for IHG Hotels and
Resorts and a Kemp appointee to the Georgia Tourism Foundation Board,
also sees strong pent-up demand across all travel segments. “While
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