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ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ATHENS TOURISM CELEBRATED
HOSPITALITY AWARDS PRESENTED
During
CVB ANNUAL MEETING
Athens, Georgia- September 22, 2011 - The Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) held its annual meeting Thursday, September 22, highlighted by the release of new economic impact figures for Athens-Clarke County and the presentation of the annual Athens Hospitality Awards.
According to the United States Travel Association (USTA) study of Georgia tourism released last week by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), visitors to Athens-Clarke County spent $220.03 million in 2010, the most recent calendar year. These direct expenditures were an increase of 4.7 percent from 2009. Tourism in Athens-Clarke County generated 2,390 jobs with a $45.46 million payroll, as well as $8.25 million in state tax and $6.57 million in local tax collections. Total state and local taxes of $14.82 million collected from visitor spending provides an effective tax relief of $326 per Athens-Clarke County household.
The CVB also presented the annual Athens Hospitality Awards, which recognize the outstanding work of individuals whose efforts have made a positive impact on the Athens-Clarke County visitor experience.
The Louis Griffith Hospitality Leadership Award honors an outstanding individual in the local hospitality industry who displays foresight and exceptional leadership skills to impact the Athens-Clarke County hospitality industry and the community as a whole. The 2011 Louis Griffith Hospitality Leadership Award was presented to Ed Benson. Mr. Benson is a true pioneer in Athens tourism. The Holiday Inn Athens he originally opened in 1960 has the distinct honor of being the oldest continuously run Holiday Inn franchise in North America, and the hospitality arm of his company has since extended to include the Holiday Inn Express, Hilton Garden Inn and Oconee County's Springhill Suites.
The Classic Host Award recognizes a local individual or individuals committed to bringing to Athens a new convention, meeting or event generating a significant economic impact. The 2011 Classic Host Award was given to Jared Bailey in recognition of both his longstanding commitment to tourism product development such as AthFest as well as the success of the AthFest Half Marathon. In presenting the award, CVB sales director Mark Adams remarked, "Over the years, Jared Bailey has contributed time, talent and innovative thinking to developing many initiatives that have resulted in raising Athens' profile and have drawn more visitors to our city."
The Hospitality H.E.R.O.E.S. (Hospitality Employees Recognition of Excellent Service) of the Year Award recognizes a front-line employee who has exceeded normal expectations to provide excellent service to visitors and residents. The 2011 Hospitality H.E.R.O.E.S. of the Year recipient is Tammy Boss of Candlewood Suites. Guests at Candlewood Suites consistently cited Boss's courtesy and professionalism in nomination forms received by the CVB. "Guests love her, and she exemplifies hospitality. She's really good at making guests feel at home," Candlewood Director of Sales Megan Thurmond said. "When there were holes in staffing at this property, Tammy stepped up to assist with extra duties, without hesitation."
"We are so gratified to be able to gather to recognize the importance of this industry to the local economy," remarked Chuck Jones, CVB director. "Through the efforts of those in this room, we are making a difference by putting our best foot forward and delivering on visitor expectations. A vibrant tourism product keeps our entire local economy vibrant, thanks to visitor spending."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Photos of hospitality award winners are available.
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