ATLANTA, GA — Georgia’s travel industry posted another milestone in 2025, setting a tourism record for the fourth year in a row. State officials said 175.6 million domestic and international visitors came to Georgia and spent $46.2 billion at local businesses.
The figures, released through an annual study by Tourism Economics for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, show the state’s visitor economy continued to expand even after several years of strong growth. Officials said spending rose by more than 2% from 2024, while the state held its No. 5 national ranking for domestic overnight visits for the sixth consecutive year.
Visitor spending helps fuel tax revenue and household savings
One of the clearest effects of tourism was the money it generated for public budgets. State officials said travel activity produced $5.3 billion in state and local tax revenue in 2025.
That revenue was enough, according to the state’s calculations, to save each Georgia household nearly $1,300 in annual taxes. Officials framed that figure as an example of how visitor spending can help support public services without putting the full burden on local residents.
The tourism total also reflected how widely travel dollars spread across the state. Restaurants, hotels, attractions and other service businesses all benefited from the continued flow of visitors, helping create a broad economic impact beyond major city centers.
State estimates place tourism’s total economic impact at $84.1 billion
Officials said tourism generated $84.1 billion in total economic impact across Georgia in 2025. That estimate captures the direct and indirect effect of visitor activity on the broader economy, including spending tied to lodging, dining, transportation and entertainment.
The state also said tourism activity directly and indirectly supported 473,837 jobs last year. That amount represented one out of every 15 jobs statewide, underscoring how central travel has become to Georgia’s labor market.
The numbers were highlighted during the annual Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference, where state leaders used the milestone to point to tourism as a major statewide economic driver.
Kemp credits Georgia workers and attractions for the growth
Gov. Brian Kemp said the record results were driven by Georgians who work in hospitality and by the places that draw visitors back year after year. He said the state’s natural sites, hospitality and distinctive destinations help make Georgia a top choice for both business and leisure travel.
Kemp described the results as a reflection of workers across the state who help visitors feel welcome and encourage them to return. He also linked the tourism gains to support for small businesses and job creation in communities across Georgia.
The governor said the industry’s continued strength shows how travel can benefit people in all four corners of the state, not just the most recognizable destinations.
Growth since 2019 has outpaced spending and tax collections
State officials said Georgia’s visitor economy has grown by more than 15% since 2019, when the state welcomed 152.3 million visitors. Over the same seven-year span, visitor spending increased by 22%.
Tax revenue linked to tourism rose by more than 24% during that period, another sign that the sector has steadily deepened its impact on state and local finances. Officials presented those long-term comparisons as evidence that tourism is not just recovering, but continuing to expand.
The repeated record-setting years also suggest that Georgia has sustained travel demand across several seasons and market shifts, keeping momentum in place longer than many short-term tourism booms.
Hospitality workers and advertising both played a role
Pat Wilson, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, said hospitality workers are a key part of the industry’s progress. He said every visitor who spends time and money in Georgia helps create a better future for residents who call the state home.
Wilson called tourism a powerful economic driver with real results, pointing to the way visitor spending supports local businesses and employment. State officials also said Explore Georgia delivered a strong return on its marketing investment in 2025.
According to an advertising effectiveness study, the state tourism division generated a return of $78 for every $1 spent on paid advertising. Officials said that result shows the value of targeted promotion in helping keep Georgia visible to potential travelers.