Tourism Delivers $57.4 Million to Hart County in 2024

For Immediate Release 

October 2, 2025 

Tourism Delivers $57.4 Million to Hart County in 2024 

Hart County, GA – The Hart County Chamber of Commerce announced today that visitors to Hart County injected $57.4 million into the local economy in calendar year 2024, according to newly released data made available by the Georgia Department of Economic Development. In Hart County, the $57.4 million in visitor spending for 2024 included $21.0 million on lodging, $14.4 million on food and beverages, $4.5 million on recreation, $10.9 million on retail, and $6.7 million on transportation. This marked a 4.3% year-over-year increase from 2023. 

“Tourism is vital not only to our local businesses but also to every Hart County household. These dollars support jobs, reduce the tax burden on families, and strengthen the quality of life we enjoy here. Seeing record-breaking visitor spending in 2024 shows the strength of Hartwell and Hart County as a destination,” said Hart Chamber President & CEO Amanda Brown 

Hart County’s visitor economy supported 526 jobs and generated $4.3 million in state and local tax revenues in 2024. Without the tax revenues generated by tourism, each Hart County household would need to pay an additional $412 in annual taxes. Visitor spending also provided $13.1 million in income for local workers. The 2024 totals represent a 4.3% increase over the previous year and mark the highest tourism impact on record for Hart County, underscoring the growing importance of the visitor economy to the community’s prosperity. 

“Georgia’s tourism success proves the power of partnerships,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Deputy Commissioner of Tourism Jay Markwalter. “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Kemp, our General Assembly, Commissioner Wilson, the Tourism Foundation Board of Directors, and the efforts of our statewide tourism industry, more visitors than ever before are choosing to spend their time and money experiencing everything that makes our state great. The local communities that bring these authentic experiences to life are a key reason why Georgia’s visitor economy continues to grow and thrive.” 

In 2024, Georgia broke tourism records for the third consecutive year and ranked No. 5 in the nation for overnight visitation for the fifth year in a row. A new high of 174.2 million domestic and international visitors spent $45.2 billion on hotels, restaurants, recreation, transportation, and other local businesses across the state. Those tourism dollars generated $5.1 billion in state and local tax revenues, saving each Georgia household an average of $1,285 in annual taxes. Georgia’s tourism industry is the second-largest economic contributor to the state, generating $82 billion in economic impact and supporting 470,570 jobs. 

For more information about tourism in Hart County, visit www.DiscoverHartwell.com. 

### 

About Hart County Chamber of Commerce 

The Hart County Chamber of Commerce drives economic vitality by promoting tourism, supporting local businesses, and fostering community development. Through Discover Hartwell, the Chamber connects visitors and residents to the area’s attractions, dining, shopping, events, and lodging. Located in downtown Hartwell, the Chamber serves as a hub for both economic growth and community engagement. 

About Explore Georgia 

The Tourism division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, known to travelers as Explore Georgia, is the state’s official destination marketing organization. Georgia welcomed 174.2 million visitors who spent $45.2 billion in 2024, setting new records for the state’s tourism industry, which generates $82 billion in statewide economic impact and supports 470,570 jobs. 

Media Contacts 

Amanda Brown – President/CEO 

Hart County Chamber of Commerce 

Discoverhartwell@hartcom.net 

Cayla Cardwell – Communications Manager 

Georgia Department of Economic Development  

CCardwell@Georgia.org