City ends funding for Brand Atlanta campaign

The city of Atlanta is ending its funding of Brand Atlanta, the marketing campaign that included the tagline “Every Day is an Opening Day.”

Mayor Shirley Franklin said Monday the money is not there for the campaign amid the city’s financial crunch, though she also said she will stress the importance of the campaign to the next city administration.

Brand Atlanta was launched in late 2005, followed by the creation of a new city logo, anthem and taglines.

Supporters said the campaign increased overnight visitation by more than 10 percent and drew thousands to the “First Emperor: China’s Terracotta Army” and “Tutankhamun:The Golden King and the Great Pharoahs” exhibits at the High Museum.

It fell short, however, in efforts to increase the city’s market share of hotel room nights and in finding a permanent funding source.