With the passing of Labor Day, the height of the tourism season in Georgia is over. And by all accounts, it was a big season. The numbers aren’t in for 2019 yet – it’s not over. But the numbers for 2018 are and at last week’s Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference, Governor Brian Kemp and others touted the state’s record-breaking year.
“Tourism is a key piece of Georgia’s success story,” said Kemp. “As the top state for business for the sixth year in a row, visitors to Georgia are a crucial sector of the state’s economy. Travelers explore our outdoor activities, food, music, arts, culture, and historical venues while supporting small businesses and local communities. I look forward to the Peach State building on 2018’s record year and continuing to be a worldwide destination for those looking for Southern hospitality.”
An all-time high of 11.67 million visitors to Georgia spent an estimated $31 billion in 2018, a nearly 5% increase from the year before. These visitors help to support a tourism industry with 475,000 jobs and generated an overall economic impact of $66.2 billion.
The conference is hosted by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus. It brings together several hundred industry professionals from across the state.
“The record-breaking impact and visitation we have seen are a testament to Georgia’s appeal as a visitor destination. Travelers from all over the world come to experience Georgia’s vast range of natural landscapes, iconic places, and way of life,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “I applaud all of our tourism industry professionals for delivering world-class offerings and inspiring travel to our state. Their efforts play a valuable role in making strides toward Georgia becoming the No. 1 travel destination in the American South.”
In addition to the economic numbers, the conference also honors and recognizes the contributions of organizations and individuals who have made a special impact on the Georgia tourism industry.
The 2019 award recipients include:
• The Paul Broun Award for Marketing Initiatives was awarded to Explore Gwinnett’s March Meatness (over $1 million) and the Thomasville Visitors Center’s Fall in Love with Tville (under $1 million).
• The Larry Allen Tourism Leadership Award was presented to Stacey Dickson, President of the Lake Lanier Convention & Visitors Bureau.
• The Al Burruss Award for Creative Expression was awarded to the Golden Isles’ Hospitality Celebration (over $1 million) and the Gainesville Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Free-Range GVL (under $1 million).
• The Paul Nelson Award for Outdoor Recreation and Preservation was awarded to Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Alliance.
• The Bill Hardman Sr. Tourism Champion Product Development Award was presented to the Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau for Augusta & Co.
• The Bill Hardman Sr. Tourism Champion Private Sector Award was presented to Jason Reott with Georgia Peach World.
• The Bill Hardman Sr. Tourism Champion Partnership Award was presented to Historic Pews & Pulpits Ramble.
• The Bill Hardman Sr. Tourism Champion in Government was presented to Tyler Reinagel with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
• The Tom Kilgore Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Peter Bowden, President and CEO of Visit Columbus.
To see more from this year’s conference: https://www.georgiagtc.com/
