The newly released 2025 Economic Impact of Tourism in Georgia report highlights the continued economic impact of travel and tourism across Valdosta-Lowndes County, with visitors generating over $471 million in direct visitor spending in 2025, a 2.7% increase from the previous year and 11% increase since 2023.

Tourism directly supported 5,871 jobs in Lowndes County in 2025, an increase of 1% from 2024. Overall, 7.9% of jobs in the county are directly sustained by visitor spending, demonstrating the important role tourism plays in supporting the local workforce and contributing to the community’s economic vitality. Visitors also generated $39.5 million in state and local taxes, equivalent to approximately $856 in tax savings for every household.

“These numbers demonstrate the value of investing in tourism and the significant return it can provide across our county,” said David DiSalvo, President and CEO of Visit Valdosta. “When visitors stay overnight, dine at our restaurants, shop with local businesses and experience our attractions, their spending creates a ripple effect throughout our community, allowing every visitor the opportunity to make an impact.”

The economic impact of tourism extends across nearly every part of the local visitor economy. In 2025, direct visitor spending included $143.9 million in food and beverage, $107.2 million in lodging, $78 million in retail, $75.6 million in transportation and $66.4 million in recreation. These figures demonstrate the broad impact visitors and tourism have across businesses and industries throughout Valdosta and Lowndes County.

The continued growth is also notable following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024, which created significant challenges for businesses across the region as they worked to rebuild, recover and navigate the financial strain associated with a major weather event. Tourism provided an important source of economic activity and support for local businesses during that time and has continued to create economic opportunities ever since.

The 2025 impact numbers reinforce the importance of continued investment in tourism and efforts to attract visitors to Valdosta-Lowndes County. The goal is to build on the momentum reflected in the latest data while creating opportunities for tourism's economic benefits to reach even more businesses, workers and residents throughout Lowndes County.

For more information on the 2025 Economic Impact of Tourism in Georgia. See here.