Georgia Counselor Corps visits Albany
21 countries represented on 3 day tour
Albany, Ga- The red carpet was rolled out for Albany’s VIP guests.
On Tuesday, members of the Georgia-Based Consular Corps visited Albany as a part of the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s 2023 international VIP tour.
For over 30 years this annual tour has put a spotlight on Georgia’s diverse communities for a distinguished and influential international audience. This years region of choice is non other than Southwest Georgia.
On this 3 day vip tour, 24 consoles visited the Good Life City, representing 21 different countries.
“Georgia is home to over 70 countries that have a representation in our state and the reality is that alot of the countries represent these countries to the entire southeast. So when they travel they typically leave the state of Georgia… and our goal as a state is to showcase the entire state of Georgia in a new region every year, looking at the diverse ways economic development benefits that specific region” says Georgia’s Chief of Protocol, Nico Wijnberg.
In Albany, the consoles were given a tour of the Flint River Aquarium and the Proctor and Gamble distribution site. At both of these sites they learned about the rich history of Albany and more.
“We look at the broader development spectrum. so we look at tourism, more traditional economic development in the sense of new industries. but we also look at trade so georgia companies exporting abroad.. the film and entertainment industries but also education, military.. you name it and we really try to cover it all” Wijnberg explains.
These tours are normally based within the Atlanta area, however, Wijnberg says the Consular Corps is wanting to branch out and broadcast what all Georgia has to offer outside of the big city. therefore the consoles will be continuing travel to Thomasville, Valdosta and even macon.
“This is really about relationship building… what we’re looking for is these folks bringing back potential prospects, other tourists, interested parties and what we really offer is a sample platter of things going on in this region” Wijnberg says.
