Georgia’s tourism industry impact surpasses $50 billion for first time

Georgia state logo ATLANTA, May 7, 2013 – Georgia Tourism, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, today announced that tourism demand generated $51.2 billion in business sales including direct, indirect and induced impact in 2012, up 4.6 percent, according to the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics. This visitor spending generated $2.8 billion in state and local tax revenue to Georgia. Every Georgia household benefited from state and local tax savings of $767 as a result of the tourism industry's tax contribution.

'Georgia Tourism had its best year ever,' said Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner for tourism for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. 'With more than 405,000 jobs directly or indirectly sustained by tourism activities, our industry is responsible for 10.2 percent of all jobs in the state.'

According to the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics, Georgia's visitor impact now stands 12 percent higher than its pre-recession level in 2007.

The first full week of May is annually recognized as National Travel and Tourism Week, a tradition first celebrated in 1984. This year's theme for the 30th annual event is Travel Effect, U.S. Travel's new advocacy and awareness campaign. For more information about National Travel and Tourism Week, visit www.ustravel.org.

'Travel is a force that can drive our nation's economic recovery. It is one of the healthiest sectors in terms of job creation and hiring, employing one out of every eight Americans,' said Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel, the umbrella organization representing the U.S. travel industry. 'We are galvanizing support to spread awareness of the Travel Effect to showcase the power of our industry and its impact on not only our economy and businesses, but also on our health, education and relationships.'

About GDEcD The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) plans, manages and mobilizes state resources to attract new business investment to Georgia, drive the expansion of existing industry and small business, locate new markets for Georgia products, inspire tourists to visit Georgia, and promote the state as a top destination for arts events and film, music and digital entertainment projects. Visit www.georgia.org.