Page 21 - Demo

Sports
Tourism
Bringing Economic Growth to South Georgia
In Georgia, tourism is more than just providing a little “Southern Hospitality”
to the millions of tourists each year. With an annual economic impact of $59 billion (2015) and more than 439,000 jobs supported, cities across the Peach State understand the economic value of tourism.
In South Georgia, there is a growing awareness of the economic impact that sports tourism plays in host communities. The revenue generated from sporting events provides bene ts to hotels, restaurants, shopping, and other tourism- related businesses. In addition to boosting the hospitality industry, sports tourism is a major generator of state and local sales tax.
During the past three years, Lowndes County has generated more than
$16 million in economic impact with tournaments primarily in baseball, softball, and tennis. Plans are underway to add soccer elds and more tennis courts to help put the community on the map as a sports tournament destination.
Just 50 miles to the west, Colquitt County recently played host to the AT&T USA Diving National Championships. The championships brought more than 600 elite divers from across the country to the Moose Moss Aquatic Center. The two-week event generated more than $4.3 million
in economic impact that was dispersed throughout several South Georgia communities. The center hosts diving meets throughout the year, including those at the regional and zone levels that often bring up to 200 divers per event.
BUSINESS + CULTURE 21 PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED