Visitors to Carroll County generated $167.2 million in direct, domestic traveler expenditures in 2023, an increase of 3.4 percent over 2022, the Carrollton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today. 

According to newly released data made available by the Georgia Department of Economic Development, visitors to Carroll County and its cities were also responsible for $12.3  million in state and local tax revenues in 2023. Each household in the county would need to be taxed an additional $286 per year to replace taxes generated by tourism activity. The tourism industry supported almost 1500 jobs in the county in 2023.  

“This year’s numbers set a new record for tourism impact in Carroll County and the state,” said Jonathan Dorsey, the visitors bureau’s director. “Tourism spending continues to grow each year thanks to countless individuals here that work hard to offer world-class hospitality to visitors from all over Georgia, from out-of-state and other countries.” 

Dorsey credited the cooperative efforts of city, county and state governments, local tourism bureaus, the Chamber of Commerce, attractions, lodging, parks and recreation departments, food service, schools and others for the county’s success attracting visitors. 

According to the report, visitors to the county spent the most on food service, followed in order by local and air transportation, lodging, retail and recreation.  

In 2023, Georgia broke visitation records for the second year in a row, reaching a new high of 171 million domestic and international visitors. Total economic impact for Georgia travel and tourism reached $79.7 billion and supported more than 463,400 jobs statewide.

“Georgia’s diverse destinations, unique experiences and welcoming communities attract visitation and visitor spending into every corner of our state,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Statewide Tourism Director Jay Markwalter. “Together, we continue to drive increasing levels of tourism impact, powering our state and local economies, supporting jobs and businesses and enhancing the quality of life for all Georgians.”