Gov. Nathan Deal joined Georgia tourism leaders today for the annual Tourism & Hospitality Day to spotlight the major contribution the industry makes to Georgia’s economy. Representatives from the tourism industry presented Deal with a check representing the $1.263 billion in state tax revenue generated from tourism-related expenditures in 2011.

“Georgia’s tourism industry is a main driver of our economy and employment with 10.3 percent of all jobs in the state directly or indirectly sustained by tourism activities,” said Deal. “The tourism industry has a positive effect on nearly every community in Georgia.”

Deal also unveiled the new 2013 annual Georgia Travel Guide. This full-color, magazine-size guide features the city of Senoia on dual covers. Twenty-five miles south of Atlanta, Senoia offers visitors a contemporary and modern feel with the authenticity, heritage and hospitality of the South. Highlighting the growth and importance of Georgia’s entertainment industry, Senoia has been the backdrop to more than 25 movies and television shows. Downtown Senoia is currently the filming location for the most watched drama in basic cable history “The Walking Dead.” Not only has this small town been seen around the world on the silver and small screens, but musician and Georgia native Zac Brown, recently opened Southern Ground Social Club, a combination restaurant, store and live music venue in downtown Senoia. The guide provides visitors with information on Georgia’s tourism assets including trip ideas, attractions, accommodations, events and more. 750,000 guides are distributed through the state’s 11 Visitor Information Centers, www.ExploreGeorgia.org, travel and trade shows and 1-800-VISIT GA. The Georgia Department of Economic Development partnered with Emmis Custom Publishing (publisher of Atlanta Magazine) on the state’s official travel guide. 

“Tourism generated $49 billion, an increase of 8.9 percent, in business sales, including indirect and induced impacts,” said Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner for tourism for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Georgia now ranks seventh in the U.S. in both travel-generated employment and travel expenditures, second only to Florida in the Southeast.”