Diplomats from 28 countries posted in Georgia are touring the northern part of the state on its annual International VIP Tour April 15-17.
The program began in 1985 with the goal of getting international representatives out of metro Atlanta and giving them opportunities to meet people and learn about places in other parts of the state.
“At the same time, it affords the host region an opportunity to establish contacts and promote its communities to dozens of international representatives who have influential links in international business development,” according to a document from the Georgia Department of Economic Develompent outlining the 30-year history of the program.
State leaders have often said it’s important to educate these foreign reps on Georgia, allowing them then to become ambassadors for Georgia in their next postings around the world or back at home.
The group is visiting the Atlanta Motorsports Park and learning about the history of moonshine in Dawsonville, touring a folk pottery museum and African American heritage site in Nacoochee and Cornelia and rowing dragon boats at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue in Gainesville. They also are visiting Young Harris College.
Countries represented include Liechtenstein, Israel, Canada, Liberia, Albania, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Argentina, Philippines, Japan, Switzerland, Nigeria, Ireland, Lithuania, Barbados, Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, Cyprus, Brazil, Bahamas, Denmark, India, Taiwan, Haiti and El Salvador.
Follow the group’s progress on Twitter at the hashtag #GAVIPTour.
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