Albany Mayor Dorothy Hubbard will host a public forum on Tuesday, June 21, to highlight the value of the tourism industry to Albany and showcase the attractions and amenities available to residents and visitors.

“Albany is the tourism hub of Southwest Georgia,” Hubbard said. “With the summer months and vacation time upon us, we want to familiarize our residents, many of whom will host out-of-town guests, with the variety of activities, attractions and amenities available to them right here at home.”

According to data from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Albany’s tourism industry has grown 20 percent during the last four years. In 2014, the most recent year for which data is available, the tourism industry had an economic impact of $221.52 million in Albany-Dougherty County.

Albany’s tourism efforts are led by the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau, which markets Albany as a premier destination for groups, sports, leisure travel and conferences. ACVB Director Rashelle Beasley will discuss what makes Albany an attractive market for travelers and groups, and how the agency facilitates tourism-related economic development.

Beasley said the tourism industry is thriving in Albany-Dougherty County.  “We have the most attractions south of Atlanta, top rated flag properties, and a great boutique hotel,” said Beasley.  “This gives us the ability to be competitive with conventions, groups, leisure travel and business travel.”

Representatives of of Albany’s major attractions will also be on hand to provide specifics about their programs and
amenities.

The program is an edition in a series of forums organized by the Mayor’s Coalition for Economic Development, and is
intended to increase awareness of the attractions throughout the region and highlight the economic impact of tourism in Albany.

The June 21 forum is free to the public and will be held from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Albany Welcome Center, located at 112 N. Front St. in downtown Albany. A reception catered by the culinary arts students from Turner Job Corps will be held in the downstairs lobby, immediately following the forum.