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Tourism director says visitor spending rose 13.6% to $5.51 million; requests sponsorship for 2026 event
Summary
Danielle Royce, Russell County director of tourism, reported a 13.6% increase in 2024 visitor spending to $5.51 million, supported about 385 jobs and generated $3.8 million in state and local tax revenue; she requested fiscal-court consideration of sponsorship for a 2026 tournament expected to draw thousands of visitors.
Danielle Royce, director of tourism, presented the county’s 2024 tourism economic-impact figures during the Aug. 11 meeting, saying visitor spending rose 13.6% to $5,510,000 year over year, supported roughly 385 jobs and produced about $3,800,000 in state and local tax revenue.
Royce told the court the figures are drawn from industry reporting and do not include activity at certain large arenas, so total visitor spending could be higher. She described recent local events — including a Savor the Summer festival during the 127 Yard Sale — and asked the court to consider sponsorship for a 2026 mission/tournament expected to draw 4,000–5,000 visitors from 48 states and two countries. She estimated event-related costs at roughly $100,000 and said she already secured approximately $70,000 in grant funds; the county’s sponsorship would cover remaining operating expenses such as porta-potties, security and logistics.
Royce emphasized that visitor dollars come from nonresidents and help pay for local services without raising local taxes. She asked the court to consider the sponsorship request at future meetings; no formal sponsorship vote was taken on Aug. 11.
