Explore Georgia says 71 million visitors generated roughly $80 billion in economic impact; adds civil‑rights sites and readies for World Cup

Explore Georgia, the tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, told the Economic Development & Tourism committee that the state hosted about 71 million visitors in 2023 and that tourism produced roughly $80 billion in total economic impact and supported more than 463,000 jobs.

Jay, statewide tourism director at the department, told the committee that Georgia has been ranked fifth in the nation for domestic overnight visitation for four consecutive years and said the states tourism team now markets year‑round to more distant markets across the United States.

The update outlined several headline numbers the division provided to lawmakers: 71 million visitors in 2023; about $43 billion spent in hotels, restaurants, transportation and local businesses; nearly $80 billion in total economic impact; and more…