Walker County experienced a significant increase in visitor spending in 2024, according to a newly released Travel Economic Impact study conducted by Tourism Economics. The report shows that tourists spent a total of $51.9 million across key sectors such as lodging, food and beverage, recreation, retail, and transportation. This represents a 19.1% jump in spending compared to 2023.
All major tourism sectors saw year-over-year growth, with retail posting the largest gains. The strong performance in 2024 also had a positive impact on local employment, with 450 jobs supported by travel demand—an increase of 64 positions from the previous year.
The influx of visitor spending generated $3.6 million in combined state and local tax revenue. According to estimates from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, this revenue offset approximately $137 in taxes for every household in Walker County.
Walker County’s strong tourism growth contributed to a record-breaking year for the state of Georgia. The state maintained its position as the fifth most-visited destination in the U.S. for overnight travel for the fifth consecutive year. Tourism remains the second-largest economic driver in Georgia, contributing $82 billion in overall economic impact and supporting over 470,000 jobs statewide.
Looking ahead, tourism officials expect continued momentum for north Georgia as the region prepares for increased international visitation tied to the FIFA World Cup in 2026. With Atlanta serving as a host city for the global event, communities outside the metro area—including Walker County—are poised to benefit from travelers seeking experiences beyond the city during the tournament.
As tourism continues to rise, Walker County is solidifying its role as a key player in Georgia’s thriving visitor economy.