Gov. Nathan Deal joined Georgia tourism leaders Jan. 29 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 with a check representing the $1.263 billion in state tax revenue generated from tourism-related expenditures in 2011.
Kevin Langston of 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).