During the recent 2024 Georgia Governor's Tourism Conference in Atlanta, Governor Brian P. Kemp applauded Georgia's tourism industry for breaking tourism records for the second year in a row and maintaining its No. 5 market share ranking among all 50 states and Washington, D.C. for the fourth consecutive year.
"Georgia continues to grow as a top destination for travelers and businesses alike," said Governor Kemp. "We've seen unprecedented visitation across all regions of the Peach State over the last couple years, a testament to the unique attractions, natural resources, and cultural institutions that make Georgia such a desirable place to visit. We're grateful for all our tourism partners statewide who support jobs in communities in all four corners of Georgia."
In 2023, Georgia travel and tourism generated a total economic impact of $79.7 billion statewide and supported more than 463,400 jobs, an increase in more than 20,000 jobs over the prior year. Thomas County's numbers included:
- $86.8 million in total visitor spending
- 892 jobs directly supported by tourism
- $7.1 million in state and local taxes generated by visitors, which equals an approximate $393 in tax savings per household
"Receiving the great news that Georgia and Thomas County once again surpassed the previous year's already record-breaking economic impact and coming off the heels of hosting a record-breaking conference with the Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) was nothing short of amazing," said Mary Patchunka-Smith, Tourism Manager for the City of Thomasville. "Our city was honored to be the host city for the 2024 Annual Georgia Downtown Association Conference and acknowledged for our exceptional efforts with improvements that enrich and preserve the town's character to help attract visitors from all over. Now, we see how impactful the hard work of our community members is to our town and state's economic vitality."
Patchunka-Smith noted that visitor spending in Thomasville saw a 3.1% increase in Retail expenditures, a 4% increase in Food and Beverage, a 7.4% increase in Transportation, and by popular demand, Recreational tourism's share was around $8.6 million.
To add to the impact on the tourism industry in Thomas County, Downtown Thomasville is currently experiencing public and private re-investment, sparking a wave of development. Onward Reserve is expanding and rehabilitating to create a flagship location. Rehabilitation continues on the former Jimmy's Sew & Vac building, with two businesses, Kin Wine Market & Lounge and Godwin Jewelers, occupying the downstairs, with new office space coming soon to the second floor. Revitalization also continues on the newly envisioned Gateway to The Ritz Amphitheater.
Traditional city-sponsored events such as First Friday Sip and Shops, Thomasville's Rose Show and Festival, and Victorian Christmas, scheduled for Thursday, December 12, and Friday, December 13, will continue to be a focus to help drive tourism to the area. Gems such as the Taste of Thomasville Food Tour, Thomasville History Center, Pebble Hill Plantation, Ranges at Oakfield, Thomasville Center of Arts, the Jack Hadley Black History Museum, and the Lapham Patterson House attract visitors year-round.
"The coolness in the air means the holidays are quickly approaching, and all of the events and attractions we have in Thomasville invite visitors and increase our tourism numbers,” said Patchunka-Smith. "It’s our goal to continue to make Thomasville a destination worth visiting."
To learn more, visit thomasvillega.com or contact the Thomasville Visitors Center at 229-228-7977.
