Tourism contributed $57.4 million to Hart County’s economy in 2024, according to the Hart County Chamber of Commerce. The data, released by the Georgia Department of Economic Development, shows that visitor spending increased by 4.3% from the previous year.
The breakdown of spending includes $21 million on lodging, $14.4 million on food and beverages, $4.5 million on recreation, $10.9 million on retail purchases, and $6.7 million on transportation within the county.
Amanda Brown, President & CEO of the Hart County Chamber of Commerce, stated: “Tourism is vital not only to our local businesses but also to every Hart County household. These dollars support jobs, reduce the tax burden on families, and strengthen the quality of life we enjoy here. Seeing record-breaking visitor spending in 2024 shows the strength of Hartwell and Hart County as a destination.”
In 2024, tourism supported 526 jobs in Hart County and generated $4.3 million in state and local tax revenues. Without these revenues from tourism activity, each household would have needed to pay an additional $412 annually in taxes. Local workers received a total income of $13.1 million due to visitor spending.
Jay Markwalter, Deputy Commissioner of Tourism at the Georgia Department of Economic Development said: “Georgia’s tourism success proves the power of partnerships,” adding: “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Kemp, our General Assembly, Commissioner Wilson, the Tourism Foundation Board of Directors, and the efforts of our statewide tourism industry, more visitors than ever before are choosing to spend their time and money experiencing everything that makes our state great. The local communities that bring these authentic experiences to life are a key reason why Georgia’s visitor economy continues to grow and thrive.”
Statewide figures show that Georgia welcomed a record number—174.2 million—of domestic and international visitors in 2024 who spent $45.2 billion across hotels, restaurants, recreation venues, transportation providers and other businesses throughout Georgia (https://www.exploregeorgia.org/). This activity generated about $5.1 billion in state and local tax revenue for Georgia (https://www.georgia.org/newsroom/press-releases/georgia-breaks-tourism-records-third-consecutive-year), which saved each household an average of approximately $1,285 per year.
Tourism remains one of Georgia’s most significant industries with an overall economic impact estimated at $82 billion statewide while supporting nearly half a million jobs.
More information about visiting or learning about tourism opportunities in Hart County can be found at www.DiscoverHartwell.com.
