The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourism division announced today that the state’s tourism industry generated $57.1 billion in business sales including direct, indirect and induced impact in 2014, up 6.7 percent, according to the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics. The tourism industry supports employment across many industry sectors, employing an estimated 425,000 Georgians statewide.

“Without a doubt, tourism has grown to become one of the state’s leading industries impacting nearly every community in Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr. “These record-setting numbers are a clear indicator that Georgia is on the minds of travelers around the world.”

According to the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics, Georgia’s total tourism demand now stands 24 percent higher than its pre-recession level in 2007. Visitor spending generated $3 billion in state and local tax revenue in Georgia. In addition, every Georgia household benefited from state and local tax savings of $840 as a result of the tourism industry’s tax contribution.

“Georgia’s tourism industry is constantly growing with significant tourism developments across the state – providing visitors and locals with something new to see and do at every turn,” said Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner for tourism at the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “As domestic and international visitors continue to discover all that Georgia has to offer the industry is adding jobs and capital investment to meet the growing demand.”

Tourism organizations are holding events to celebrate what the tourism industry means to communities in Georgia. Nationally, hundreds of cities, states and travel-related businesses are recognizing the annual National Travel and Tourism Week, to be held May 2-10, 2015. Designated by Congress and established by presidential proclamation in 1983, National Tourism Week celebrates the value and scope of the nation’s $927.9 billion travel and tourism industry, and the economic and social contributions it brings to Georgia. This year’s theme, “Travel is __________.,” encourages the travel community to be creative and have fun as they tailor it to reflect the unique value and impact of the industry. For more information about National Travel and Tourism Week, visit www.ustravel.org.