Georgia's convention centers are attracting a record number of business travelers.
Georgia has positioned itself as a top destination for business meetings and conventions, attracting a record number of domestic travelers and generating significant economic impact. The state experienced over 16 million business travelers and $4.3 billion in direct spending. With substantial investments in modern venues and facilities like the Savannah Convention Center and Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia is becoming a global hotspot for events. The state’s commitment to enhancing its business travel ecosystem coupled with diverse attractions makes it an appealing choice for planners and attendees alike.
Georgia has established itself as a leading destination for business meetings and conventions, drawing a record number of domestic visitors and generating significant economic impact. In 2023, 16.4 million domestic travelers visited Georgia for business purposes, resulting in $4.3 billion in direct spending. This momentum marks a landmark year for the state’s tourism industry, reinforcing Georgia’s status as a premier location for events of all sizes.
The importance of the business travel sector to the state’s economy cannot be overstated. It not only creates jobs but also stimulates growth across various industries, including lodging, food and beverage, retail, and transportation. The Georgia Department of Economic Development underscores the value of professional meetings, as they provide essential opportunities for small businesses and contribute to the overall economic landscape of the region.
Georgia has made substantial investments in new and innovative venues designed to accommodate the evolving needs of event organizers. This includes flexible and state-of-the-art meeting spaces that are crucial for successful business gatherings.
Among the standout facilities is the Savannah Convention Center, which has recently doubled its size to include 200,000 square feet of exhibit space and a new 40,000-square-foot ballroom. Plans are also underway for a 400-room Signia by Hilton hotel, further enhancing the center’s capacity to host large-scale events.
Additionally, the Rainwater Conference Center in Valdosta has seen a $1 million renovation that has significantly increased its appeal, offering 47,000 square feet of meeting space. Similarly, the scenic Lake Lanier Olympic Park features The Boathouse, which provides 18,000 square feet of adaptable event space along with options for water activities that honor the site’s Olympic heritage.
Notably, Cloudland at McLemore Resort in Rising Fawn presents 20,000 square feet of event space boasting panoramic views and luxury amenities, including a modern spa and a new golf course. For large events, the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta stands as the largest combined convention, sports, and entertainment venue in the United States, featuring over 1.5 million square feet of exhibit space.
Event organizers also have access to unique venues such as the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta, which offers 68,000 square feet of historic hangar space ideal for corporate gatherings, and Duluth’s Gas South District, which has expanded its convention center to 90,000 square feet, supported by the adjacent Westin Atlanta Gwinnett hotel.
Georgia’s ongoing investments in infrastructure and state-of-the-art convention facilities are attracting both national and international event planners. The state is increasingly viewed as a global hotspot for meetings and conventions, leading to a significant influx of business travelers. These developments are complemented by the diverse local attractions and outdoor activities that Georgia offers, making it an appealing choice for both event planners and attendees.
As tourism in Georgia continues to thrive, the state’s commitment to enhancing its business travel ecosystem, through the creation of modern venues and facilities, positions it as a key player in the competitive market of business meetings and conventions. With its optimal connectivity and variety of unique experiences, Georgia is well on its way to maintaining its reputation as a premier destination for future events.
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