Welcome to the GACVB travelblazers recognition program!
A “travelblazer” is innovative. Original. A pioneer. Someone who is instantly described as working to create a unique impact within the industry and for their community. We hope through these awards, that other tourism partners will be encouraged to get involved in community development and utilize out-of-the-box approaches to destination product and promotion.

The travelblazers program, launched in 2020, is designed to recognize community destination development projects exemplifying multi-partner collaboration and creative product development that demonstrates ‘tourism at the economic development table’. Tourism should not only have a seat at the economic development table, but also, destination marketing organizations should help set the table for community projects. Tourism development projects can take years to get to the ribbon cutting. We celebrate completed, unique initiatives and non-traditional partnerships contributing to local tourism assets and attractions.

2023 travelblazers

GEORGIA TREND ARTICLE: 2023 TRAVELBLAZERS: FIVE DESTINATIONS AROUND GEORGIA WHERE VISITORS CAN EXPERIENCE EVERYTHING FROM A KAYAK RIDE TO HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Recognized at the 2023 GACVB Annual Conference in Albany, Georgia - Presentation Slides (2023 travelblazers starting slide #13) 

• The Reeves House Visual Arts Center - Woodstock Arts 
• The Market at Visit Statesboro - Statesboro Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Gainesville Kayak Vending Machine - Gnarly Marsh / Gainesville Parks & Recreation 
• Dream Empire: An Atlanta Dream + Arches Brewing Collaboration - ATL Airport District
• Macon's Christmas Lights Extravaganza - NewTown Macon

2022 travelblazers 

GEORGIA TREND ARTICLE: 2022 TRAVELBLAZERS: COLLABORATIONS and PARTNERSHIPS YIELD NEW DESTINATIONS FOR TOURISTS

Recognized at the 2023 GACVB Annual Conference in Albany, Georgia - Presentation Slides (2022 travelblazers slides #1-12) 

• The Creeks Recreational Trail System - Butts County Chamber of Commerce / City of Jackson & Dauset Trail Nature Center
• Fenders Alley - City of Cornelia / Reeder Family 
• JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside - Visit Savannah
• Taste of Thomasville Food Tours - Thomasville Visitors Center
• William Hubbard Complex and Historic Hubbard Women's Dormitory (Hubbard Museum & Cultural Center) City of Forsyth CVB

2021 travelblazers 

GEORGIA TREND ARTICLE: 2021 TRAVELBLAZERS: PARTNERSHIPS CREATE NEW TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES

Recognized at the GACVB Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia - Presentation Slides (Starting Slide #9) 

• Georgia World War II Heritage Trail
• Henry Ford Bakery - Richmond Hill Convention & Visitors Bureau 
• Okefenokee Swamp Exhibit - Waycross Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Serene 18 Paddle Trail - Columbia County Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Topside Tap Trail - Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Roswell, Visit Sandy Springs