Tourism Impacts Athens, Georgia’s Economy For Better

Tourism in Athens, Georgia has contributed more than $20,000 in tax revenue to the city.

The Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau, a sales and marketing organization with a primary goal to increase the economic impact of the hospitality and visitor industry, hosted its annual meeting on Oct. 24 at the Classic Center in downtown Athens.

The main goal of the agenda was to discuss the impact tourism had on the community in 2017.

Out of the $21,000 from tax revenue, the city used the money to fund essential services such as education, infrastructure and transportation.

“Tourism is the third largest private industry here in Athens-Clarke County,” said Athens CVB Director Chuck Jones.

Jones also mentioned Athens really depends on tourism to make it successful.

Tourism statistics from last year:

• In tourist spending, Athens saw an increase of 6.11 percent with a total of $310.17 million in direct domestic spending.
• Tourism in Athens generated 2,872 jobs within the community.
• Total state and local taxes totaling $21.24 million were collected from visitor spending.
• Approximately $850,000 per day were spent in restaurants, retail, accommodations and transportation.
• Tourism also saved every household in Athens-Clarke County $473 in tax dollars.

Cheyenne Brown is a senior majoring in journalism.