Georgia Senate Committee Discusses Enhancing Tourism

News Summary

The Georgia Senate Study Committee on Tourism will hold its third hearing to discuss strategies for enhancing the state’s tourism industry. With significant economic contributions totaling $79.7 billion, the committee aims to explore effective measures for boosting tourism competitiveness amid regional challenges. Lawmakers and industry leaders will address funding, upcoming major events, and the balance between development and preservation as they search for ways to maintain Georgia’s appeal as a tourism destination.

Valdosta, GA — The Georgia Senate Study Committee on Making Georgia the No. 1 State for Tourism will hold its third hearing on Wednesday, October 15, at 9 a.m. The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Rainwater Convention Center located at 1 Meeting Place, Valdosta, GA. The hearing is open to the public and will also be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website.

At the hearing, lawmakers, tourism leaders, and local stakeholders will engage in discussions aimed at strategies to enhance Georgia’s tourism industry, with a focus on its significant economic impact. The committee is a bipartisan group established through Senate Resolution 323, aimed at understanding the crucial role tourism plays in driving economic development, supporting small businesses, and improving the quality of life across the state.

Tourism is a major contributor to Georgia’s economy, generating approximately $5 billion annually in state and local tax revenue. The total economic impact of the tourism industry in Georgia is reported to be around $79.7 billion, supporting more than 463,000 jobs across various sectors. The committee aims to explore how the state can continue to capitalize on these economic benefits.

Importance of Tourism Funding

The executive director of tourism for the Georgia Department of Economic Development has highlighted that tourism “imports temporary taxpayers,” which brings financial advantages to local communities. In Georgia, there is a $5 hotel/motel fee imposed per room per night. This is supplemented by a local excise tax that varies from 2% to 8%. Importantly, the first 3 cents of this excise tax can be used by cities and counties for any legal purpose, while amounts above that threshold are earmarked specifically for tourism-related initiatives.

Upcoming Major Events

Georgia has proactively positioned itself to attract significant events to the state, including the 2025 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and eight FIFA World Cup games scheduled for 2026. These events are projected to draw approximately 520,000 attendees and generate an estimated economic impact of $500 million. However, state officials recognize that while Georgia excels in business climate ratings, ongoing efforts must be made to boost tourism competitiveness.

Regional Competition

The committee also discussed the fierce competition from neighboring states like Florida and South Carolina, which are vying for visitors’ spending. Local tourism leaders have been vocal in advocating for increased state investment in tourism marketing, asserting that Georgia risks falling behind in attracting tourists when compared to its competitors.

Focus on Development and Preservation

In their discussions, committee members acknowledged the need for a careful balance between tourism development and the preservation of Georgia’s natural beauty. Additionally, they emphasized the importance of identifying successful local strategies and resources that can bolster tourism growth across the state.

Looking Forward

The Senate Study Committee plans to compile a final report by November, summarizing their findings and proposed strategies for advancing Georgia’s tourism industry. With the economic stakes so high, the outcome of these discussions could shape the future of tourism in the state for years to come.

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