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Tourism is big business in state
Nathan-Deal
Gov. Nathan Deal attended the annual Tourism and Hospitality Day at the Capitol Tuesday to spotlight the contribution the industry makes to Georgias economy.

Gov. Nathan Deal joined Georgia tourism leaders Tuesday for the annual Tourism and Hospitality Day at the Capitol in Atlanta to spotlight the contribution the industry makes to Georgia’s economy.
Representatives from the tourism industry presented Deal with a check representing the $1.263 billion in state tax revenue generated from tourism-related expenditures in 2011.
“Georgia’s tourism industry is a main driver of our economy and employment, with 10.3 percent of all jobs in the state directly or indirectly sustained by tourism activities,” Deal said. “The tourism industry has a positive effect on nearly every community in Georgia.”
Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner for tourism for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, said that tourism generated $49 billion in business sales, which is an increase of 8.9 percent.
“Georgia now ranks seventh in the U.S. in both travel-generated employment and travel expenditures, second only to Florida in the Southeast,” he added.
Deal also unveiled the new 2013 annual Georgia Travel Guide. This full-color, magazine-size guide features the city of Senoia on dual covers. Senoia has been the backdrop to more than 25 movies and television shows, including AMC’s popular show “The Walking Dead.” Also, musician and Georgia native Zac Brown recently opened Southern Ground Social Club, a combination restaurant, store and live music venue in downtown Senoia. The guide provides visitors with information on Georgia’s tourism assets including trip ideas, attractions, accommodations, events and more.
Guides are distributed through the state’s 11 visitor-information centers, www.ExploreGeorgia.org, travel and trade shows and by calling 1-800-VISIT GA (1-800-847-4842).

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