Tourism
The tourism industry continues to be one of the largest economic drivers of Savannah. Travel to Savannah remains strong as the readers of Travel+Leisure Magazine ranked Savannah among the “Top 10 Cities in the U.S. and Canada” and Facilities & Destinations Magazine recognized Savannah with a “Top Destination Award.”
Savannah’s tourism and hospitality industry has truly established itself as one of the region’s primary economic drivers along with the Georgia Port and a strong manufacturing and military presence. Recently named “Best Southern City” by Southern Living Magazine, Savannah now enjoys visitors from all over the world.
Savannah exudes an authentic beauty and charm that not many destinations can match. Some of the top reasons people visit Savannah: beauty/visual appeal, variety of restaurants and shops, unique/relaxing place to visit.
Savannah attracted more than 11 million visitors in 2009 with over half staying overnight. Currently 62% of visitors stay approximately 2.2 nights. 83% are considered from the “leisure” segment, with the remaining 17% traveling to the area for business or meetings/conventions.
Almost half of visitors come for the historic and cultural experience with another 10% visiting for Savannah’s Coastal Cuisine and nearly 7% for outdoor and eco-friendly activities.
Visitor spending in 2009 exceeded $1.2 billion dollars with 38% for lodging, 26% for food and beverage, 17% for retail, 10% for recreation and the remaining 9% for transportation.
Of Savannah’s visitors in 2009, 76% were adults (18 or older) with approximately 44% in the age group of 25-44 and another 44% ages 45-64.
Savannah is full of activity year-round. The busiest months in terms of hotel occupancy are March, April, May and June. Visitors to Savannah are loyal: 60% return, half of whom return four or more times.
Savannah also enjoys year-round visitation with 28% coming January-March, 30% April-June, 24% July-September and 18% in October-December. Top feeder market states traditionally include Georgia, Florida, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Ohio, Virginia, New York and New Jersey. International visitors come primarily from Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and France, with a growing presence from South America and Asia.
For more information, please contact the Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1.877.SAVANNAH or visit www.VisitSavannah.com.
Tourism’s Impact on Savannah and Chatham County
| Description | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
| Number of Lodging Rooms (1) | 11,721 | 12,448 | 13,110 | 13,898 | 14,745 |
| Person-Stays (2) | 6.35 Million* | 6.5 Million* | 6.63 Million* | 6.15 Million* | 6.13 Million^ (Overnight) 5.1^ (Day-trippers) |
| Room Night Demand (1) | 2.845 Million | 2.807 Million | 2.886 Million | 2.805 Million | 2.832 Million |
| Direct Spending (2) | $1.385 Billion* | $1.8 Billion | $1.98 Billion* | $1.94 Billion* | $1.63 Billion^ |
| Room Tax Revenue (3) | $11.41 Million | $13.19 Million | $14.37 Million | $14.04 Million | $12.99 Million |
Sources: Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
(1) Smith Travel Research – Chatham County
(2)* D. K. Shifflet and Associates, Ltd. – City of Savannah Only
(2) ^ Longwoods International
(3) City of Savannah/Chatham County/Tybee Island
