Savannah’s Tourism Leadership Council opens new chapter in Golden Isles
Golden Isles CVB and Tourism Leadership Council join forces to Improve Glynn County’s quality of life
Press Release (March 6, 2024) — The Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Tourism Leadership Council (TLC) jointly announce their plans to establish a chapter of the TLC in the Golden Isles.
First originated in Savannah, the TLC is a non-profit trade organization, which has served as the advocate for the region’s tourism and hospitality community since 1998.
Today, the Tourism Leadership Council’s membership boasts a diverse group of lodging properties, restaurants, food and beverage distributors, caterers, tour companies, museums, retail shops, printers, banks, non-profit associations, law offices, and many other companies who benefit from tourism’s broad economic impact.
Strengthening Local Industries, Improving Quality of Life
Through its advocacy efforts, the Tourism Leadership Council has improved the quality of life for Savannah-area residents and visitors alike by strengthening the local hospitality industry, providing ongoing education and training opportunities for service employees, establishing scholarship funds and financial assistance to members in times of need, and working alongside elected officials on local and state levels for the betterment of the greater Savannah area.
Si
milarly, the Golden Isles chapter of the TLC would aim for comparable community and industry benefits, allowing Glynn County residents and business owners and operators to join together to strengthen our local hospitality industry in a responsible way that balances our thriving industry with the needs of a remarkable community.
“We are looking forward to working in partnership with the TLC and a multitude of community leaders to focus on enhancing the entire region’s quality of life while recognizing the importance of Glynn County’s hospitality industry,” said Scott McQuade, president and CEO of the Golden Isles CVB.
Scott McQuade at the Kress Brunswick boutique hotel. Photo Credit: Eliot Van Otteren, as seen in Georgia Trend “Our State: Brunswick Golden Isles,” June 2023
“We are excited to work with this unifying organization that creates synergy and breaks down the siloed approach that often happens in so many communities.” -McQuade
Furthering the Mission
The Tourism Leadership Council’s efforts will round out the CVB’s mission and provide a greater focus on the hospitality community itself, ensuring that our infrastructure continues to improve for residents and visitors alike.
“Our team is especially excited to begin working with the Golden Isles community and the CVB in furthering the mission to create a high-quality visitor and resident experience,” said Michael Owens, CEO and president of the Tourism Leadership Council. “We firmly believe our role is also to protect the quality of life for our area. TLC can provide the leadership and vision to help the CVB accomplish that shared mission.”
The Golden Isles chapter of the Tourism Leadership Council is expected to be formed within the first quarter of 2024.
Those interested in becoming members should contact Stephen Plunk, Director of Community and Government Relations, at stephen@tourismleadershipcouncil.com.
Sustaining Appeal
Georgia Trend’s Coastal Tourism Feature, March 2024
Read Georgia Trend’s coverage on how the Georgia coast balances tourism and sustainability.
About the Golden Isles CVB
The Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting tourism in the Golden Isles of Georgia. Located off Georgia’s southern coast, the Golden Isles is made up of four barrier islands that include St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island and Little St. Simons Island, and the port city of Brunswick.
About The Tourism Leadership Council
The Tourism Leadership Council (TLC) serves as the leading trade organization for tourism in Savannah and the Golden Isles. With more than 40,000 employees who work in tourism, we protect the tourism community through vision, advocacy, and action. The mission of the TLC is to provide a unified group with committed leadership pledged to promote, protect and serve the interests of the tourism and hospitality community of coastal Georgia.
