Georgia tourism breaks records in 2017 with $63.1 billion

ATLANTA — Gov. Nathan Deal announced Monday that the state’s tourism industry generated a record-breaking $63.1 billion in economic impact in 2017, an increase of 3.8 percent over last year.

“The tourism industry contributes significantly to the growth and prosperity of Georgia’s economy,” Deal said in a news release. “During National Travel and Tourism Week, we’re celebrating the continued success of this vital industry and the more than 460,000 jobs created by tourist expenditures. Last year, a record number of visitors traveled to Georgia to explore our mountains, coastline, thriving cities and small towns.

“The continued growth of the tourism industry provides meaningful employment opportunities for families, strengthens our local communities and reaffirms our status as a world-class tourism destination.”

Rashelle Beasley, director of the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau, said tourism in the Albany area has been successful both in terms of revenue as well as job creation.

“Albany and Dougherty County have been fortunate to have a steady increase in tourism over the past eight years,” she said. “In 2016, tourism generated $244 million in domestic tourist spending in Dougherty County. This is a 4.7 percent increase over 2015. (Tourism) supported 2,215 jobs, generated $7.17 million in local sales tax revenues, and generated $51.77 million in payroll.”

Last year, officials said, visitor spending in Georgia generated more than $3.3 billion in state and local tax revenue. The U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics said Georgia’s total tourism demand is 39 percent higher than its prerecession level in 2008.

“Georgia’s tourism industry is the foundation for being able to offer our citizens access to a thriving quality of life with unique destinations, experiences, events and cultural opportunities,” Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said in a statement. “Congratulations to our Georgia tourism team as well as the tourism industry professionals across the state for making Georgia a top travel destination.”

GDEcD Deputy Commissioner for Tourism Kevin Langston said the economic development associated with tourism shows there has been hard work invested in bringing tourism dollars into the state.

“Tourism’s astounding growth as one of the top industries in our state is a testament to our tourism industry professionals who work tirelessly to promote their destinations and create new opportunities to entice visitors to come back,” Langston said. “National Travel and Tourism Week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the strength of this industry, the impact it has on our economy and the excitement of what the future of this industry holds.”

More information about National Travel and Tourism Week is available at www.ustravel.org.

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