Tourism in Douglas? Absolutely!
Tourists come to Georgia for a variety of reasons, whether it is looking to escape to the mountains, to beaches, or to enjoy small town life. On May 6, 2019, according to Georgia Tourism, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the state’s tourism industry generated a record-breaking $66.2 billion in business sales impact in 2018, up 4.7 percent, according to the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics.
Nationally, hundreds of cities, states and travel-related businesses are celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) the week of May 5-11, 2019. The annual celebration unites communities across the country to highlight what travel means to American jobs, economic growth and personal well-being.
“The tourism industry is a leading contributor to Georgia’s economic growth and prosperity,” said Governor Brian P. Kemp. “Not only does our state welcome a record number of visitors each year, but travel and tourism creates jobs for 471,000 Georgians. The industry’s continued growth reaffirms that travel matters to every community in Georgia and makes our state a great place to live, work and do business.”
Douglas is located in the GDEcD Magnolia Midlands Travel Region, which is one of the state’s nine travel regions. According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, in Coffee County in 2017, the tourism industry supported 553 jobs, generated $76.33 million in direct travel spending, created $3.13 million in sales tax revenue and generated $2.25 million in local tax revenues. Each Coffee County household would need to be taxed an additional $376 per year, to replace taxes generated by tourism economic activity. The Douglas Visitor Information Center (DVIC) is a GDEcD Regional Visitor Information Center. The DVIC is located at The Atrium, 114 N. Peterson Avenue, and serves as the visitor’s one stop shop for information about things to do while in Douglas and Georgia.
Visitors can find information about upcoming community events, Douglas souvenirs, and locally grown products, as well as information about the State Park, WWII Flight Training Museum, Heritage Station Museum, and other area attractions. The DVIC offers special promotions to citizens and visitors to help promote our tourism assets.
“We are happy to showcase our community to visitors,” says Jennifer Surrency, Tourism Director. “Throughout each week, we have visitors who stop in to grab a map and information. Our staff is here to promote our city, Coffee County, and the State of Georgia. Community partners, with tourism related events or promotions, should always make sure to drop their information by our office so we can publicize their event.”
For more information the Douglas Visitor Information Center or upcoming events, please call 912-384-1873.