Georgia tourism industry reaches new heights, surpasses 171 million visitors

Governor Brian P. Kemp announced at the Georgia Governor̢۪s Tourism Conference that Georgia set new tourism records for the second consecutive year, achieving a historic high of 171 million visitors and a $79.7 billion economic impact in 2023.

Governor Brian P. Kemp announced at the Georgia Governor̢۪s Tourism Conference that Georgia set new tourism records for the second consecutive year, achieving a historic high of 171 million visitors and a $79.7 billion economic impact in 2023.

Governor Brian P. Kemp joined the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) last week in announcing that the state broke tourism records for the second year in a row and maintained its No. 5 market share ranking among all 50 states and Washington, D.C., for the fourth consecutive year.

Speaking at the annual Georgia Governor̢۪s Tourism Conference, Governor Kemp shared that the state welcomed 5 million more visitors last year than in 2022, reaching a new high of 171 million domestic and international visitors. These travelers spent $43.6 billion on Georgia̢۪s hotels, restaurants, transportation, and other local businesses, eclipsing the previous record set in 2022 by nearly $4 billion.

In total during 2023, Georgia travel and tourism generated a $79.7 billion statewide economic impact and supported more than 463,400 jobs, an increase of more than 20,000 jobs over the prior year. The tourism industry also generated a record $5 billion in state and local tax revenues, a $300 million or 7.2% increase over the previous record set in 2022.

Presented by Explore Georgia, GDEcD̢۪s tourism office, the three-day Georgia Governor̢۪s Tourism Conference is the premier annual event for the state̢۪s travel and hospitality industry. Drawing 400 attendees from across the state each year, the conference serves to inspire excellence and elevate the state̢۪s tourism efforts to raise national and international awareness of Georgia as a business and leisure destination, with diverse landscapes and experiences that span county lines and industries, from arts and film to sports and agriculture.