Georgia Tourism, a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), announced Thursday that tourism demand generated $53.6 billion in business sales including direct, indirect and induced impact in 2013, up 4.5 percent, according to the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics.

“After surpassing $50 billion in 2012, we are now building on that momentum as Georgia continues to attract more visitors year over year,” said Chris Carr, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “The impact of the industry goes beyond the visitors themselves – the tourism industry sustained more than 411,000 jobs directly or indirectly, making up 10.2 percent of all jobs in the state.”

According to the U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics, Georgia’s visitor impact now stands 18 percent higher than its pre-recession level in 2007. In 2013, visitor spending generated $2.8 billion in state and local tax revenue in Georgia. In addition, every Georgia household benefited from state and local tax savings of $770 as a result of the tourism industry’s tax contribution.

“Georgia’s tourism destinations continue to add new attractions, accommodations, and events,” said Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner of tourism for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “As more and more visitors discover the terrific vacation experience Georgia has to offer, our tourism economy grows – meaning increased investment, new jobs and a higher quality of life for all of us who call Georgia home.”

Georgia Tourism Division joins hundreds of cities, states and travel-related businesses nationwide in recognition of the 32nd annual National Travel and Tourism Week, to be held May 3-11. Designated by Congress and established by presidential proclamation in 1983, National Tourism Week celebrates the value and scope of the nation’s $887.9 billion travel and tourism industry, and the economic and social contributions it brings to Georgia. This year’s theme, “Travel Effect,” proves that the travel experience and the travel industry as a whole have a measurable and purposeful impact. For more information about National Travel and Tourism Week, visit www.ustravel.org.