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Person County tourism director reports $57M local economic impact, $94K in grants
Summary
The Person County Tourism Development Authority reported that visitor spending generated an estimated $57,000,000 in local economic impact, about $12M in payroll and $94,000 in grants awarded from occupancy tax revenues; the board praised recent promotional efforts and projects such as a new visitor’s digital guide and mural.
Julie Mabey, director of the Person County Tourism Development Authority, presented the authority’s annual report to the commissioners on Nov. 18, citing visitation metrics, grant awards funded by occupancy taxes and promotional activities intended to attract visitors to Roxborough and Person County.
Mabey said the authority reports an estimated $57,000,000 in economic impact for the county, roughly $11,960,000 in payroll supported by tourism and $94,000 in grants awarded from occupancy tax revenues to local projects and events. She highlighted investments such as a printed and digital visitor’s guide distributed across state welcome centers, promotional reels and a new mural at a county gateway funded by a local agribusiness.
The tourism director described grant support for festivals, guided fishing tours on Mayo Lake, the Shop Hop Trail and promotional support for the Person County Veterans Council and other events that drew thousands of visitors. Commissioners thanked the authority for outreach, and staff noted the occupancy tax funds make grants and promotional work possible.
Why it matters: Tourism receipts and occupancy‑tax grants support local events and businesses and are a visible revenue stream for small county initiatives and marketing.
What’s next: The authority will continue digital promotion, distribute the printed visitor’s guide and accept event and project proposals for future grant awards.
Provenance: presentation and Q&A during item 8b. (topicintro SEG 1204; topfinish SEG 1390)
