NTTW celebrates the travel and hospitality industry and the huge impact travel and tourism has on citizens, businesses and national, state, and local economies. Tourism is a great investment for Macon, generating $381 million per year for the local economy. It is a net positive investment for Macon and helps to offset those expenses for local taxpayers, saving every family nearly $500 per year. For every $1 invested in promoting Macon tourism, our community gets back $54.       

“I hope citizens will join Visit Macon in celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week by visiting your favorite Macon attraction or restaurant to show your support. Tourism sends 3,700 people a day to work in our community while visitors contribute over $10 million a year in local tax collections to the general fund. The impact to our community is represented in convention attendees, sports participants, business travelers and leisure tourists visiting for the weekend, and I encourage all residents to be welcoming ambassadors for Macon-Bibb visitors ”said Gary Wheat, President & CEO of Visit Macon. 

Visit Macon will have a week of activities to celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week. On Wednesday, May 8 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. there will be a reception for local artists participating in our Art Guitar competition. During the reception we will launch the Art Guitar online auction with proceeds going to the Main Street Christmas Lights Extravaganza. On Thursday, May 9 we will launch our “Macon Memories Photo Spots”. There will be 15 photo spots identified with a decal located throughout downtown where people can take photos and post on social channels.  There will also be free Soul Sights Guided Van tours Friday, May 10 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Saturday, May 11 at 1:30 p.m. Reservations for the tour can be made on www.VisitMacon.org. “Macon on My Mind” Day” will be Friday, May 10 at the I-75 Visitor Information Center from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Visit Macon partners will get a chance to promote their business during the event.