Macon, Georgia- The Macon-Bibb County Convention & Visitors Bureau (MBCCVB) will celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week May 3rd-11th. The MBCCVB will host events commemorating the week which will include the "What's Shakin in Macon" tourism video debut, Visitor Appreciation Day and Macon on My Mind Day at the I-75 Visitor Center.

National Travel & Tourism Week celebrates the Travel Effect (#Travel Effect) and the huge impact travel and tourism has on citizens, businesses and national, state, and local economies.

In 2012, Macon-Bibb County tourism:

  • Created 3,290 jobs
  • Produced $73.92 million in payroll
  • $311.60 million in direct tourism spending
  • Created $12.14 million in state tax revenue
  • Generated $8.77 million in local tax revenue
  • Ranked 10th of 159 Georgia counties for 2010 tourism expenditures levels
  • Each Bibb County household received $366.14 in tax relief as a result of tourism efforts. (Source: U.S. Travel Association)

"Travel and tourism supports 14.9 million jobs across the nation, including many right here in Macon," said Monica Smith, President & CEO of MBCCVB.   According to Smith, "Travel is a broad and diverse industry employing a vast workforce, from airline and hotel employees to restaurant, attraction and retail workers. When people make the choice to travel to Macon, it makes an enormous impact on the residents who live and work here."

MBCCVB National Travel & Tourism Week will kick-off with the "What's Shakin in Macon" tourism video debut at the MBCCVB Downtown Visitor Center Friday, May 2nd from 5p.m. - 7p.m. On Wednesday, May 7th the MBCCVB will celebrate Visitor Appreciation Day with treats from Lane Southern Orchards. We will also have a member workshop called "Reputation Management on TripAdvisor" with speakers from Visit Savannah. "Macon on My Mind Day" is Friday, May 9th at the I-75 Visitor Information Center. Local businesses can market their products and services to visitors from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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 visit http://www.visitmacon.org/