Like everywhere else in the state, Athens’ tourism and hospitality industries were hit hard by COVID. But a recent update from the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau shows that numbers were up in 2022 and approaching pre-pandemic levels, which is good news for everyone in the Classic City. Visitors spent $338 million in Athens last year, supporting 3,977 jobs with $98 million in payroll and generating $27 million in tax revenue. Spending was up 43% over 2020. Having the national champions in college football certainly helps matters, but CVB officials have launched a new initiative focused on attracting visitors on non-football gamedays. “I couldn’t be more excited about the road ahead,” Mayor Kelly Girtz said.
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