Tuesday, May 11, 2010


Working as the Special Projects Manager with the City of Douglasville Convention & Visitors Bureau, I always get the question, “What is the CVB?” Well, the CVB is an information and sales center that works to bring tourism to Douglasville. The local CVB strives to make Douglasville a leading tourist destination by addressing the greatest opportunities for the CVB to create, execute, promote, and attract events and activities that will bring visitors to Douglasville and Douglas County.

To understand tourism you must understand the meanings of the word. So what is tourism?
· Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure, or business purposes.
· Tourism is the business or industry of providing information, accommodations, transportation, and other services to tourists.
· Tourism is the promotion of tourist travel, especially for commercial purposes.

Why is tourism important?
First of all, tourism is a big industry. It is the second leading industry in the State employing more than 241,000 Georgians and creates a total economic impact of more than $34 billion.

Second, tourism affects the entire community. Our local economy depends on tourists to provide businesses with revenues, which in turn provide tax contributions.
The most direct effects occur within the primary tourism areas that include lodging, restaurants, transportation, amusements, and retail trade. Tourism generates close to $57 Million a day in the State of Georgia. Each Georgia household pays $518 less in local and state taxes due to direct tourism expenditures.

From the monies generated by tourism there are cultural benefits. The development and maintenance of amenities, events, and theatre and arts programs that a community might not otherwise afford are funded through these dollars.

Visitors are also potential investors as they may choose to relocate their business or family, and new investors stimulate economic growth. The same elements that make the Douglasville a desirable place to visit make the City a desirable place to live. I am certain that without tourism, my choices for dining, shopping, healthcare and perhaps even educational institutions would be greatly limited.

For more information on events, activities, hotels, shops, and restaurants in Douglasville please go to http://www.visitdouglasville.com/ or call 770-947-5920.