Macon, Georgia- The Macon-Bibb County Convention & Visitors Bureau (MBCCVB) held its 32nd annual meeting today at Professional Sciences & Conference Center at Macon State College. The CVB shared the 2011 United States Travel Association Economic Impact Report which revealed Macon ranked 10th of 159 counties for 2011 tourism expenditure levels for the second year.
In 2011, Macon-Bibb County tourism:
- Generated 3,270 jobs
- Produced $73.59 million in payroll
- $300.15 million in direct tourist spending
- Created $11.77 million in state tax revenue
- Generated $8.54 million in local tax revenue
Three tourism awards were presented which recognized the contributions of individuals who have made a positive impact on Macon's travel industry. The Otis Hughes Tourism Award was awarded to a person who has contributed significantly to the Macon tourism industry and has given unending time, talent and skill to support Macon's tourism growth. The 2012 Otis Hughes Spirit of Tourism award was presented to Andy Ambrose, Executive Director of the Tubman African American Museum. The President's Award was presented to Helen Adams for her volunteer work during the 2011 Georgia Governor's Tourism Conference and the Cherry Blossom Festival.
The B.J. Cain Top of the Line award was presented to a person who works directly with a visitor at an attraction, restaurant and hotel and goes above and beyond the call of duty to provide an exemplary experience for the visitor. The 2012 B.J. Top of the Line award winner was Walter Foley. The meeting concluded with a presentation on customer service from Glen Gould owner of Inspiration Agents.
The mission of the MBCCVB is to unify and lead our community in marketing the Macon Bibb County area as a superior visitor and meeting destination. For more information, please visithttp://www.visitmacon.org/.
