Guest Blog Post by Valerie Bradley, Vice President of Marketing at the Macon-Bibb Convention & Visitors Bureau
Tourism is a powerful jobs and economic development generator in Macon. The direct economic impact of Macon’s successful tourism efforts increases every year. According to the U.S. Travel Association, in 2015, Macon-Bibb County tourism pumped $347 million in direct tourist spending into the local economy, generated over 3,400 jobs, produced $9.71 million in local tax revenue and created $14.79 million in state tax revenue. Bibb County is ranked 10th out of 159 Georgia counties for 2014 tourism expenditures and as a result of tourism efforts, each Bibb County household received $350.34 in tax relief.
The Macon CVB is a leader in the tourism industry with a mission to unify and lead our community in marketing the Macon-Bibb County area as a superior visitor and meeting destination. Macon’s tourism industry is important as it creates jobs and helps to convince visitors as to why they should visit for the first time and then return again and again.
Macon-Bibb County is experiencing growth as new development projects will soon invest millions in the local community. Once completed, these upcoming developments will create new experiences for locals and visitors, increase visitation and continue to grow our tourism economic impact. Projects like these complement our existing assets and allow us to share not only what’s new, but also what already makes Macon such a wonderful place to live and visit. The Macon Bike Share program, which allows riders to explore Macon on a Zagster bike rental, was made possible by the growth of such projects. Funded through the Downtown Challenge Grant, the program creates fresh experiences for visitors and locals and helps them discover why Macon is more than just a place on the map; it’s a vibe all its own.
For more information about the Macon CVB, please visit www.VisitMacon.org.
