Liberty County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Chief Executive Officer Leah Poole, Liberty County CVB Creative and Content Coordinator Emma Faircloth and City of Flemington Council member Hasit Patel completed Destination Leadership — Fundamentals of Tourism, a course designed by the University of Georgia, in Madison. This course was led by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia.

Several different speakers from across the state defined what exactly tourism is and how to amplify tourism right here in Liberty County. For tourism to succeed, leaders in the industry must be able to communicate the importance of the tourism industry to decision makers in the area.

Tourism generates local and state tax revenue, creates jobs, increases the quality of life and preserves heritage, culture and nature. As the second largest industry in the state following agriculture, the tourism industry generated over $64 billion in economic impact for the state of Georgia during the last fiscal year and benefited every household in the state by saving over $1,100 annually in state and local taxes.

“If we learn how to better explain what tourism is and the importance that it holds, we can make Liberty County a better place for all. We can also help save local tax payers money, and that is a bonus,” Poole said.

Stay up-to-date on tourism in Liberty County by visiting https:// libertycounty.org/ and following on social media @exploreliberty.