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Travel South USA
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Travel South USA Region Shows Record Visitor Growth in 2014
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Atlanta, GA – July 2015 / Newsmaker Alert / Travel South USA is pleased to announce that its twelve state region registered a record 2.5 million overseas visitor arrivals in 2014. Travel South USA is the official regional marketing organization for the Southern United States and its mission is to promote, foster, and encourage travel to and within the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
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Travel South USA, celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2015Additionally, overseas visitation to the Travel South USA region grew nearly 21% over 2013, almost tripling the overall United States visitation growth, which was 7.4%. The Travel South USA region received 7.4% of all overseas visitors in 2014, up from 6.6% in 2013.

A shift in demand for travel to the South – from strong traditional markets such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France and Italy – led to the Travel South USA region’s growth in visitation. In addition, the Travel South USA region garnered impressive growth in emerging markets such as Brazil, China and Australia, a growth market and countries of emphasis for Travel South USA in 2014.

In 2014 more leisure visitors traveled to and within the region. Student travel was up, as well as the number of first-time visitors to the Travel South USA region. Sightseeing, visiting small towns and touring historical locations were among the top leisure activities that attracted international visitors. The South’s reputation for fine dining also attracted overseas visitors.

“I’m delighted that our marketing efforts are resonating with international audiences and influencing visitation,” said Duane Parrish, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Travel South USA. “Through strategic, collaborative campaigns, we showcased the South’s history, culture, food and natural beauty, and set the stage for more tourism growth.”

Travel South USA credits collaborative marketing for the significant increase in international visitation to the Southern United States. The twelve state region successfully leveraged its resources to present a unified and comprehensive marketing campaign to the international community. Undertaking a large, multi-country Pan-European Sales Mission from June 16-June 26, 2015, Travel South USA President & CEO Liz Bittner, along with partners from the region, traveled through Milan, Amsterdam, Belgium and Paris to sell the South as an international tourism destination. This Sales Mission was carried out through a partnership with Brand USA and the USA Pavilion established at Expo Milano.

About Travel South USA
Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2015, Travel South USA is America’s oldest and largest regional travel promotion organization, formed in 1965 by resolution presented at the Southern Governor’s Conference. The long-standing regional collaboration of the state tourism offices of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia provides a foundation to positively position tourism as a vital and dynamic element in the region’s economic development. Tourism ranks throughout the region as one of the top three industries, behind manufacturing and agriculture, and is responsible for $135.7 billion in spending by visitors, generating 1.33 million direct jobs, $32.3 billion in worker paychecks, and more than $19 billion in state and local taxes.

For more information about International Showcase 2015: www.TravelSouthUSA.org

For consumer information about travel to the South: www.TravelSouthUSA.com
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Contact:
Sam Lacy
Digital Marketing Manager
Travel South USA
404-231-1790
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Travel South USA: Facebook / Twitter / YouTube
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Travel South USA is the official regional marketing organization for the Southern United States and its mission is to promote, foster, and encourage travel to and within the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
Travel South USA
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Placement Dates: 07/02/15 – 09/02/15
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