-Doug Walker-
Jay Markwalter
Georgia Department of Economic Development Deputy Director Jay Markwalter, head of the Tourism Division, addressed the State of Tourism during a program at the Forum River Center on Wednesday.
“I can guarantee you that you take for granted what you have here,” Markwalter said. “Ya’ll have some serious curb appeal.”
He pointed directly to the Rome Tourism office and said that Rome is regarded so highly because of how visitors to Rome are treated while they are in town.
He explained that the statewide office is really targeting visitors to Georgia for the FIFA World Cup this year.
Marcie Kicklighter
Regional Tourism manager Marcie Kicklighter said that of visitors to North Georgia in particular, 64% come for entertainment events, 53% cited outdoor recreation, 35% pointed to cultural events, and 26% were for sporting events.
She said tourism accounted for $12.2 million in state and local taxes in 2024. The latest numbers, for 2025, will be unveiled at a state conference on Jekyll Island in September.
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