(Cobb County, Ga.) — March 9, 2017 — A recent study showed that travel and tourism remains the number one economic driver in Cobb County, with more than $2.8 billion in economic impact and supporting more than 30,000 jobs.
The study, performed by Robert Lann Consulting, LLC, showed that the fiscal impact continues to rise as well. Total revenues grew from $31.179 million in 2014 to $35.226 million in 2015. The projection for 2034 is $69 million, an increase of $12.38 million from the 2033 projection. “This demonstrates that tourism is, and will continue to be, an economic powerhouse for Cobb County,” said Holly Quinlan, CEO of Cobb Travel & Tourism.
As the leading industry in Cobb County, tourism has significant economic impact. According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development-Tourism, on an average day, visitor spending in Cobb County generates approximately $195,000 in state tax revenues, $123,000 in local tax revenues, and $1.59 million in worker paychecks. In the last year, tourism created $71.2 million in state tax revenues and generated $44.9 million for Cobb and its cities in local tax revenues, saving each Cobb County household $432 on taxes. For every $1 spent in one of our county’s hotel properties, $3 is spent in the community on dining, transportation, entertainment, and more.
“Tourism not only impacts Cobb economically, but also creates sustainability. The tourism industry is unique because jobs created by tourism will not be exported outside of the community,” said Quinlan. “While certain industries can come and go, tourism attractions such as Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags White Water, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Marietta Museum of History, and Lake Acworth are here to stay.”
Commissioned by Cobb Travel & Tourism, the study’s purpose was to gain knowledge of Cobb’s travel and tourism impact in the county. The same study was also conducted for the previous five years. By the year 2020, tourism in Cobb is projected to have an economic impact of more than $4 billion.
