Tourism leaders from across Georgia gathered in Atlanta on March 5 to celebrate the return of Tourism Day at the Capitol. The event highlighted tourism's role in Georgia’s economy, which is tied to agriculture as the state’s top industry.
Amanda Dyson-Thornton, executive director of the Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus, presented Gov. Brian Kemp with a symbolic $5 billion check representing the state and local tax revenues generated by travel and tourism in Georgia.
According to the Madison Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau (MMCVB), travel demand in 2023 supported 550 jobs and generated $5.6 million in state and local tax revenues within Morgan County. Without the state and local tax revenues generated by tourism, Morgan taxes would cost approximately $733 more per year, per household.
“Tourism is not only a major driver of Georgia’s economy; it’s one of the top industries in Morgan County, generating $61.1 million in economic impact through visitor spending,” said MMCVB Executive Director Jennifer Rosa León, who attended the Gold Dome event.
MMCVB plays a strategic role in promoting tourism to Morgan County, with a mission to inspire visitors to come, stay, and participate in the local economy. Last year alone, the MMCVB’s efforts resulted in 127,693 website visits and 278,000 page views to VisitMadisonGA.com, an 831,558 reach on Facebook and Instagram, and 9,000 visitors to the Welcome Center.
“By inspiring tourists to come and experience our community, we help sustain historic sites and cultural attractions, support jobs across the hospitality industry, drive dollars to local businesses, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents,” Rosa León said.
Additionally, the MMCVB delivered 13,416 email newsletters, developed 35,000 destination guides, and generated 197.2 million earned media impressions with an approximate advertising value of $284,890 through media mentions in top publications, including Garden & Gun, Southern Living, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, as well as local publications such as Lake Oconee News.
In 2023, Georgia broke visitation records for the second year in a row, reaching a new high of 171 million domestic and international visitors. These travelers spent a record $43.6 billion on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and other local businesses across the state and generated $5 billion in state and local tax revenues.
Total economic impact for Georgia travel and tourism reached $79.7 billion and supported more than 463,400 jobs statewide.
“The tourism industry’s recovery and growth since the last Tourism Day at the Capitol in 2019 is nothing short of remarkable,” Dyson-Thornton said. “Presenting Gov. Kemp with a $5 billion check this year — up from $3 billion pre-pandemic — underscores how vital tourism is to Georgia’s economy. This industry has not only rebounded but continues to be a powerhouse for job creation, economic impact, and community development.”