Report: 2014 was a $129 million year for Rome/Floyd tourism
Media release: The Greater Rome Convention & Visitors Bureau has released its 2014 Annual Report on Tourism and the statistics are strong for Floyd County. The report shows an upward trend with an increase of more than 39.23% in tourism spending throughout the county since 2004.
The bureau reports that a study from the U.S. Travel Association shows that tourists spent $129,046,000 in Floyd County during 2013, the most recent year that results are available. Additionally the tourism industry supported 1,210 jobs throughout the service and hospitality industries. Travelers to Rome and Floyd County generated $4.62 million in state tax revenue and $3.8 million in local tax revenue. Each Floyd county household received $234.34 in tax relief per household as a result of taxes generated by tourism economic activity.
In addition to the significant overall tourism impact, the office also reported that sport, group, and event business that the GRCVB directly assisted generated $17,255,433. “This impact number represents the events, sports tournaments, and conventions our office recruits or directly assists, and speaks to the effectiveness of the tourism office in Rome,” said Lisa Smith, GRCVB executive director.
Events with the most economic impact in 2014 included the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show, Counterpoint Music & Arts Festival, 100th Anniversary Mountain Day, NCCAA National Track & Field Championships and multiple tennis tournaments. “The relationships that we have built with our many community partners are the foundation for the success of bringing tourism to Floyd County,” said Smith.
In addition to economic impact, the bureau announced significant increases as a result of marketing and public relations efforts. Website visitation and social media channels grew dramatically year over year by providing unique views of Rome’s attractions, lodging, restaurants and events.
With the success of the past year, the GRCVB set many objectives for 2015. Major goals include: developing a marketing plan to meet business goals of Tennis Center of Georgia, aggressively marketing The Forum to attain new and multi-year contracts, expanding partnerships and connections with regional and national sports organizations, and continuing a sales focus on objectives that increase hotel room nights.
The GRCVB 2014 Annual Report is available online at http://www.RomeGeorgia.org/annualreport
For more information on the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau or Rome - Floyd Visitor Center, visit RomeGeorgia.org or call 706.295.5576.
