The National Tourism Week emphasizes the economic influence of Columbus

Columbus, GA. (WTVM) – It is expected that more than two million people will travel through Columbus in 2025 and millions of dollars from area companies.

With the summer almost here and in this National Tourism Week, Visitcolumbus leader emphasize the importance of southern hospitality and its economic effects on Chattaochee Valley.

Officials said that tourists spent more than 300 million US dollars in Columbus last year. This money will go into the city's budget and be used for various projects. Without these income, the city would have to increase and increase taxes for residents for projects out of its own pocket.

In 2024, according to Visitcolumbus President and CEO Ashley Woiteena, tourists spent 377 million dollars in the Fountain City. She says Columbus has several attractions such as the atmosphere of Uptown Columbus, Double-A-Baseball and the historical galleries in Columbus.

“The National Infantry Museum, the Columbus Museum, even our Civil War Naval Museum, also does a great job,” said Ashley Woitea, President and CEO of Visitcolumbusga. “There are so many attractors and of course we have the longest urban whitewater course in the world.”

“Columbus is actually a great place to visit,” said Rocky Marsh, Vice President of the River Valley Chamber of Commerce. “(There is) Great all year round and there is a lot to do, regardless of what someone can say.”

Woiteena says that when tourists spend money in the Fountain City, they save money for taxes. She says every household has saved an average of 639 US dollars. This money is used to build and maintain the infrastructure in Columbus.

“What they leave behind are their taxpayers,” she added. “They leave this direct economic impact. We had $ 26 million in bars and hotel income or hotel tax dollars that return to Columbus.”

Marsh says that due to the low living expenses, the company also increases into the area.

“It enables its members and entrepreneurs to have a good standard of living and at the same time build up and expand their business,” he said. “When people come to Columbus, this is the opportunity; it is a way to measure our growth.”

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