Explore Georgia, the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, has launched a new vacation giveaway, “Georgia’s Great Escapes Giveaway.” The Georgia’s Great Escapes Giveaway showcases safe travel in the state through inspirational safecation guides and a chance to win a two-night, three-day getaway to one of five distinctive Georgia destinations – Atlanta, Blue Ridge, Milledgeville, Savannah and Thomasville.  

The giveaway includes lodging at unique places, passes to awe-inspiring attractions, and gift cards to trip-worthy restaurants. Safety precautions to combat COVID-19 are critical to both the state and its visitors right now. Therefore, Explore Georgia continues to promote safe travel and encourages all visitors, residents and businesses to follow the Georgia Safety Promise, which includes wearing a mask, maintaining a social distance and washing hands. The getaways are redeemable until November 2021, so winners may choose to travel now or later, when they are ready. The giveaway will run from November 9 through December 7. 

The giveaway comes as increased travel is occurring to and within Georgia. Recent research from Tourism Economics reports that weekly travel spending in Georgia is currently more than 400% higher than at the lowest point during the pandemic. While travel may ebb and flow dependent upon COVID-19 conditions, overall, travel sentiment research from Destination Analysts, Longwoods International, MMGY Global, Skift, and other leading industry research firms shows that people’s confidence in their ability to travel safely is growing. Data also shows that future vacation planning is occurring, and travel planning activity has climbed to its highest levels since April. 

“The Georgia’s Great Escapes Giveaway was designed to inspire those comfortable with traveling safely now, as well as those dreaming about traveling again soon,” said Mark Jaronski, deputy commissioner of tourism. “Whether they’re ready to go this winter or next year, we recognize how meaningful it is to so many people to explore Georgia with family and friends. From the coast to the mountains and every city, suburb, and rural getaway in between, our communities across the state are ready to welcome visitors for safecations with southern hospitality.”

Entering to win is simple. Visit ExploreGeorgia.org/Escape-Giveaway to view official rules, explore each destination’s safecation guide, and complete the entry form. The flexible window for using the giveaway prizes allows visitors to explore Georgia when they’re the most comfortable.

The contest will be promoted on the state’s tourism website ExploreGeorgia.org, its free email newsletter, and on its Facebook, Instagram and Twitter channels.

Each destination – Atlanta, Blue Ridge, Milledgeville, Savannah and Thomasville – outlines their specific COVID-19 precautions, and visitors are encouraged to read and follow these guidelines, as well as the Georgia Safety Promise, while traveling. For up-to-date information on travel to Georgia right now, visit ExploreGeorgia.org/COVID.

In 2019, Georgia’s tourism industry welcomed more than 150 million visitors who spent $39.14 billion across the state. The industry’s total economic impact for the year was nearly $69 billion.