Georgia’s Tourism Industry Achieves Record Visitor Numbers

News Summary

Georgia’s tourism sector hit new records, welcoming over 174.2 million visitors in a single year. Governor Brian P. Kemp announced this milestone during the annual tourism conference, emphasizing the substantial economic impact with visitor spending reaching $45.2 billion. This reflects a 4% year-on-year growth, generating $5.1 billion in tax revenues and supporting over 470,570 jobs. The state’s appeal for both leisure and business travel continues to rise, with local economies benefiting significantly from the influx of tourists.

Atlanta – In a significant boost to its economy, Georgia’s tourism industry set new records for the third consecutive year, welcoming over 174.2 million domestic and international visitors in 2024. This announcement was made by Governor Brian P. Kemp during the annual Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference, marking a milestone for the state’s travel sector.

Visitor Spending reached an impressive $45.2 billion across various sectors, including hotels, restaurants, recreation, transportation, and other local businesses. This expenditure represents a 4% increase over the prior year’s record, highlighting the continued growth in tourism’s economic impact. As a result of this spending, the tourism industry generated $5.1 billion in state and local tax revenues, contributing significantly to the state’s finances.

The positive economic ripple effect of tourism extends to Georgia households, with an average savings of approximately $1,285 attributed to the revenues generated by the industry. Georgia has ranked No. 5 in the nation for overnight visitation for five consecutive years, firmly establishing its status as a premier travel destination.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

Georgia’s tourism sector stands as the second-largest economic contributor in the state, with a total economic impact of $82 billion, marking a 3% increase from the previous year. Supporting over 470,570 jobs, the industry accounts for one in every 15 jobs in Georgia, underscoring its crucial role in employment and economic stability.

Focus of the Governor’s Conference

The recent Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference attracted more than 400 attendees, focusing on enhancing excellence within the state’s travel and hospitality industry. The conference aims to raise awareness of Georgia as an attractive destination for both business and leisure travel, showcasing the state’s rich offerings.

Next year’s conference is set to take place at the newly expanded Savannah Convention Center, which will provide a platform to exhibit Georgia’s convention capabilities further.

Meetings and Conventions Growth

The segment dedicated to meetings and conventions has also seen significant growth, attracting more than 17 million domestic visitors for business-related travel in 2024, reflecting a nearly 5% increase from the year before. Direct spending on business and convention travel reached an impressive $4.6 billion, representing a 5.5% rise from 2023.

Source of Data

The data that underpins these findings is drawn from an annual study by Tourism Economics, which is commissioned by the Georgia Department of Economic Development. This research provides insights into tourism’s expansive economic impact within the state.

Local Business Impact

Many local businesses, such as Okefenokee Pastime, report noticeable increases in international visitors, contributing to the overall growth of the state’s tourism industry. This prominent influx of tourists not only benefits local economies but also showcases Georgia’s appeal as a vibrant travel destination.

As Georgia continues to thrive as a bustling hub for tourism, the state can anticipate further benefits in job creation, economic development, and enhancements to local businesses, owing to the robust nature of its visitor economy.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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