GEORGIA (WRBL) — It was announced on Friday by Gov. Brian Kemp, along with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, that the state broke its tourism record for the third straight year in a row.

Georgia is also ranked at No. 5 in the United States for oversight visitation for the fifth year in a row. The data was sourced from an annual study that’s done by Tourism Economics, according to Kemp.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development then measures the economic impact of tourism on the state and its counties.

While speaking at the annual Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference, Kemp revealed that a record of 174.2 million domestic and international visitors in the calendar year of 2024 spent $45.2 billion on the state’s hotels, restaurants, recreation, transportation, and other local businesses.

This year’s data surpassed last year’s by nearly 4% as Georgia’s tourism industry is the second-largest economic contributor to the state by generating $82 billion in statewide economic impact, which is a 3% year-over-year increase, according to Kemp.

“Georgia’s scenic landscapes spanning the mountains to the coast, cultural attractions, and vibrant communities make our state a top destination that leaves visitors with a reason to keep Georgia on their minds,” Kemp said.

He added, “We’re grateful to the hardworking men and women statewide who make sure Georgia always puts its best foot forward, helping create real positive impacts in all four corners of the Peach State.”

The Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference was held at the newly expanded Savannah Convention Center.