MACON, Ga. -- Tourism officials tell us the driving force behind Macon's economy is tourism. In a press release Explore Georgia shows the state's tourism industry breaking records.
Valerie Bradley with Visit Macon said on the heels of the state's success, Macon is doing just as well.
"From our rich musical heritage and history to our diverse attractions and also our culinary scene along with our brewery scene," Bradley said.
According to Bradley in 2017 the city saw $381,000,000 in direct tourism spending.
In 2018, she said they saw over $395,000,000 dollars.
Bradley said for every dollar spent here locally, it generates about $54 and adds jobs to our community. She said tourism creates 3,300 jobs specifically in Macon.
This success, Bradley said saves taxpayers money.
"It saves about every Macon household about $500 in taxes and that's all related to tourism spending."
Bradley tells us the reason you are saving this money is because tourism takes the tax burden off the people in the community.
According to USNews online, Macon is the 6th most visited city if Georgia.
Here are the top spots to visit in the Peach State, according to US News:
1. Savannah
2. Atlanta
3. Golden Isles
4. Augusta
5. Athens
6. Macon
7. Jekyll Island
8. Dahlonega
