NEWS

Visit Savannah President and CEO Joseph Marinelli recently joined tourism leaders from across the Coastal Empire to present before a Georgia House Study Committee, advocating for increased state investment in tourism marketing through Explore Georgia.

The presentation highlighted a significant funding gap, noting that Georgia currently ranks last among the 12 Southeastern states in tourism marketing investment—despite tourism being a major driver of jobs, economic impact, and small business growth across the state. The goal of the initiative is to elevate Georgia to the position of the “#1 State to Visit” by strengthening statewide promotion efforts.

This briefing follows a similar presentation delivered earlier to a Georgia Senate Study Committee and is part of a broader effort to build momentum among lawmakers as they prepare for the 2026 Legislative Session. Increased funding for Explore Georgia is considered crucial to maintaining the state’s competitiveness in attracting visitors, meetings, and major events.

The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce has identified increased state tourism funding as a top legislative priority and will continue advocating for this issue as part of its 2026 legislative agenda.