James May-June 2023 web - Flipbook - Page 9
oasting of mountains, beaches, cities and
small towns all within just a few hours’
drive, Georgia is unique. It is one of the few
states with a major metropolitan city (Atlanta), historic seaport (Savannah), walkable cities, small
towns and rural communities, islands and beaches, a
plethora of lakes, rivers, and streams and thousands of
hiking trails and ecological treasures including part of
the world-famous Appalachian Trail and the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Georgia is also home to
the largest blackwater swamp in North America and is
centrally located for road trips as well as domestic and
international flights with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
International Airport, the world’s busiest airport.
Indeed, the Peach State’s landscapes, communities and experiences offer something for every traveler,
and each visitor is met with our own unique brand
of Southern hospitality. That’s why Georgia attracts
visitors and conventions from across the country and
the world— which obviously has a significant impact
on the state’s economy.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development
reports that in 2021 travel and tourism generated a total
economic impact of $64.5 billion and supported more
than 422,600 jobs. Georgia welcomed more than 159
million domestic and international visitors to our state
that year, resulting in $34.4 billion in visitor spending.
TH E E C O N O M IC S O F TO UR ISM
The bottom line: Georgia maintained its No. 5 market share rank for domestic overnight visitation in 2021.
“That was a critically important achievement for our
state’s economy and a testament to the competitiveness of our state’s tourism industry,” Gov. Brian Kemp
says. “Because Georgia led the nation in a measured
reopening, the leisure sector of our tourism economy
continues to lead in rebounding, and our travel industry
is well-positioned for future growth and success.”
Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson also gives some credit where it is due.
“I applaud our Explore Georgia team members, Georgia
Tourism Foundation Board of Directors and tourism
industry professionals throughout Georgia for inspiring travel to and within our state as well as generating
increasing levels of economic impact. Their efforts are
driving innovative strategies to further enhance Georgia’s competitive position in the travel marketplace.”
Explore Georgia’s tourism recovery marketing campaign, “Ready. Set. Georgia.” has remained a key driver
for visitation to and within the state since its launch.
The state destination marketing organization utilized
a strategic approach to allocate funds from its federal
Economic Development Administration tourism grant of
$5.8 million— which was directed to Explore Georgia—
toward the campaign. continued
GOULD’S INLET ON ST. SIMONS ISLAND
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