Visitor Spending
Visitor spending supports our local community
The New Dog Park and Walking Path at Horseshoe Bend Park was made possible through Tourism Product Development Funds (hotel/motel taxes).
![](https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/VisitorSpending.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=779f8546ce2a24cfe582f71e460710a0 320w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/VisitorSpending.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=6c627914ef4da2762cdf16176f7b5085 540w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/VisitorSpending.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=ebb74ea1f53bca7c362ce800e656009f 768w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/VisitorSpending.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=12574f8ea87eff6a2b8178d00dc1588e 1024w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/VisitorSpending.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=c3afe75ca896c138fc8039feaf194ac6 1200w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/VisitorSpending.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=c7d2a3b538d39ea5c914e5e37edef326 1373w)
In 2023, Fannin County experienced a remarkable economic year, underscoring the vital role the visitor economy plays in the overall economic health of our local community. A visitor economy refers to the total spending by visitors, which includes money spent on lodging, restaurants, attractions, shopping and other services. As we reflect on 2023, it’s essential to understand how tourism acts not just as a revenue generator, but also as a catalyst for supporting the local community. In 2023, visitor spending for overnight accommodations contributed more than $3.2 million in unrestricted funding to Fannin County Government. In addition to that, more than $540,000 of restricted funds went towards product development projects that have enhanced many of our favorite parks (see Horseshoe Bend dog park photo above). These are incredible numbers — and are not inclusive of SPLOST funds!
![](https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/SpendingLcalSupport.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=c24aa483a051bda6729545394b27139b 320w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/SpendingLcalSupport.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=fa9529849e108dbe810a945bad14180f 540w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/SpendingLcalSupport.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=38958bcedf881e9c7a35635d04f434d0 768w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/SpendingLcalSupport.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=d10544f0c7b180a1a2ed416ee288fd70 1024w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/SpendingLcalSupport.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=2cf0ca7b380f3d8ec50d62fa43bd4d48 1200w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/SpendingLcalSupport.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=9277e0392ce782d15dcc760ca9a60ca4 1428w)
While we continue to see an increase in visitation numbers — which can be taxing on the local community — it also boosts the success of local businesses,creating a ripple effect throughout our economy. Overall, tourism is a substantial job creator, providing direct and indirect support to numerous households and families in Fannin County and the surrounding area. The tangible impact of visitor spending is clearly illustrated in the graphics on these pages.
![](https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/RegionalImpact.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=af4e3e83e53977b5b0de867691b3e930 320w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/RegionalImpact.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=e033dcb8fe13214624c178f2a6c88e06 540w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/RegionalImpact.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=06a9c7b011945622e70a941de4b49bd8 768w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/RegionalImpact.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=9876629af8188f9381e373f53ae90aef 1024w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/RegionalImpact.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=7001029b204bbff58a2e91fdbed4ce06 1200w, https://blueridge.imgix.net/images/RegionalImpact.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=cc78d185bb0986e79a16d0fbf7e2fa2e 1417w)
Tourism offers a unique platform to showcase our community’s natural resources, rich culture and heritage. If you’ll look at the bottom of this page, you’ll see some of our #lovinglocal initiatives in action, where we ask our visitors to love and appreciate our community the same way we do. This initiative fosters deeper appreciation and awareness of our local treasures, traditions and history, all while instilling a sense of pride and identity within our community.