Destination Augusta, a non-profit corporation that promotes tourism in the Augusta River Region, expects events this month to generate a total estimated economic impact of at least $1.4 million for the area.
This weekend, more than 25,000 people are expected to attend the Augusta Air Show at the Augusta Regional Airport, and Destination Augusta estimates 1,000 of those attendees will spend money at local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses, generating an estimated economic impact of more than $172,000.
“The meetings and groups segment of our travel market is a key driver of our local economy and helps to sustain the nearly 26,000 people employed in our tourism and hospitality workforce,” said Destination Augusta President and CEO, Bennish Brown. “We always say that attending a meeting or event might be the first introduction a person has to our community, but it can spark interest and excitement to turn that trip into repeat visits for years to come.”
Another large event occurring this month is the Lucy C. Laney High School Super Reunion, which is expected to bring 600 people to Augusta and have an estimated economic impact of more than $87,000.
In total May meetings, conventions, and events will bring an estimated 3,545 attendees to Augusta and generate at least $1,432,655 in total estimated economic impact (EEI) for the city.
Destination Augusta has worked at some point in the site selection and/or planning phase with the following groups that will contribute to the fourth largest sector of the local economy, tourism, and hospitality.
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Take Off Pounds Sensibly
2023 Tee Off with Tops 5/4 – 5/6 600 attendees: $494,468.30
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Georgia Prince Hall Shriners & Daughters
2023 The Gala Day Convention 5/4 – 5/7 800 attendees: $305,119.68
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Augusta Worship Center – Church of the Living God International, Inc.
2023 SE Elect Ladies & Brotherhood Meeting 5/6 – 5/7 75 attendees: $25,137.89
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Augusta Air Show
Augusta Air Show 2023 5/13 – 5/14 *1,000 attendees: $172,355.03
* Augusta Air Show 1,000 attendance is based on hotel room nights only, total attendance is
projected to be 26,000 for the two-day event.
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W. Josey High School Reunions
50th Reunion Class of 1973 5/25 – 5/28 70 attendees: $44,467.92
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Lucy Laney High School Reunion
Lucy Laney Super Reunion 5/25 – 5/29 600 attendees: $87,375.42
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East Coast Operators – C.B. Radio Club
2023 Southeast Operators CB Club 5/25 – 5/28 400 attendees: $303,730.42
* Augusta Air Show 1,000 attendance is based on hotel room nights only, total attendance is projected to be 26,000 for the two-day event.
Estimated economic impact is based on data collected by various agencies, including Explore Georgia and the U.S. Travel Association.
