Visit Macon will celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week May 6th – 12th. NTTW celebrates the travel and hospitality industry and the huge impact travel and tourism has on citizens, businesses and national, state, and local economies.

In 2016, Macon-Bibb County tourism:

Created 3,633 jobs

Produced $92.17 million in payroll

$364.50 million in direct tourism spending

Created $16.34 million in state tax revenue

Generated $9.97 million in local tax revenue

Ranked 10th of 159 Georgia counties for 2016 tourism expenditures levels

Each Bibb County household received $459 in tax relief as a result of tourism efforts. (Source: U.S. Travel Association)

“This week, we are celebrating what travel means to our community. Across Macon-Bibb County, travel employs a prosperous and diverse workforce, from hotel employees, to restaurants, attractions and retail workers, and related sectors as well. Travel supports one in nine American jobs, including over 3,500 jobs right here in Macon-Bibb County,” said Gary Wheat, President & CEO of Visit Macon.

Visit Macon will have a week of activities to celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week. On Monday, May 7, Visit Macon and Bike Walk Macon will host a riding ghost bike tour.  The tour will leave at 6:30 p.m. from the Tubman Museum Zagster bike station and end at Just Tap’d. Riders who participate in the bike ride will get a 10% discount off their purchase from Just Tap’d. “Macon on My Mind Day” will be Friday, May 5 at The Shoppes at River Crossing Village from 2 – 6 p.m. Visit Macon partners will get a chance to promote their business during the event. The event will also include a DJ and free refreshments. Visit Macon will also sponsor free Soul Sights Guided Macon Van Tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, May 4 & Saturday, May 5.  Reservations can be made on www.VisitMacon.org.