We're Committed to Inclusivity

Now more than ever, inclusivity is at the top of the tourism industry's mind.

In fact, championing diversity in people, places, and points of view is one of the US Travel Association's main focuses for National Travel and Tourism Week 2022--and with good reason. Social media has given destinations a chance to connect with travelers like we have never had the opportunity to before. Social media has also given people an opportunity to connect with people like never before. No matter how you identify or what your walk in life is, you have a chance to reach out and connect to people who understand you deeply. You have a chance to see your human experience being shared by others online. It is essential we offer travelers that opportunity. 

As cliche as it may sound, travel is an essential part of the human experience. Research has proven that travel makes us happier, more creative, and perhaps most importantly, more empathetic.

When our team looked at our marketing assets at the beginning of 2021, one thing became immediately evident: our tourism marketing efforts did a great job at representing the demographics of Gilmer County. However, they failed to represent the real people who were choosing our mountains as their happy place.

We set out on a mission: to make our advertising radically inclusive. To give travelers a chance to see themselves in our advertising. To give all travelers a chance to connect with the experiences that make Ellijay a world all its own. 

A year in, we know we still have a long ways to go. But we won't stop until all travelers know that there is an adventure in these mountains waiting for them and that Ellijay will welcome them like an old friend.