The Richmond Hill Convention and Visitors Bureau announced that the tourism industry generated $46.49 million in direct, domestic traveler expenditures in Bryan County for the year, according to U.S. Travel Association.

According to the study made available through the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the tourism industry created $2.05 million in state tax revenues and generated $1.4 million in local tax revenues for Bryan County and its cities.  Each household in Bryan County would need to be taxed an additional $278 per year to replace taxes generated by tourism activity. The tourism industry also supported more than 399 jobs and created $9.79 million in payroll in Bryan County.

“Tourism drives economic, social and cultural growth and employment in our community,” said Richmond Hill Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Executive Director Christy Sherman, “We are fortunate to have quality lodging, museums, parks, beautiful marinas, and so many local businesses that help reflect our community’s character and help distinguish us from other destinations.”

Sherman, along with Richmond Hill CVB board members Sherri Broome and Shannon GaNun, recently attended Tourism, Hospitality & Arts Day at the State Capitol. This day brings hospitality and arts industry professionals from around the state to the Capitol to celebrate the economic impact that the tourism industry has on the state of Georgia. The state's tourism industry generated a record-breaking $63.1 billion in economic impact in 2017, for an increase of 3.8 percent over last year, according to the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics. Leaders in the industry presented Governor Kemp with a check representing the $3.2 billion in state and local tax revenue generated by tourism-related expenditures.

About Richmond Hill CVB:

The Richmond Hill Convention & Visitors Bureau (RHCVB) is the City’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting tourists to Richmond Hill, and promoting the city as a destination for events and location for film projects. www.visitrichmondhill.com