Visit Savannah turns 50 as tourism fuels $4.1 billion local economy

What: Visit Savannah 50th anniversary celebration
When: Friday, Feb. 13, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Visit Savannah offices, 101 E. Bay St., Savannah

by Shakuria Smith

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Visit Savannah will celebrate its 50th anniversary Friday with a ceremonial cake cutting and champagne toast, marking five decades of promoting Savannah and Chatham County as a world-class destination.

The celebration is set for Friday, Feb. 13, at 9:30 a.m. at the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Savannah offices at 101 E. Bay St.

Founded in 1976 as the Savannah Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Savannah began with a mission to share the city’s story while strengthening the local economy. It has since grown into a globally recognized destination marketing organization with a lasting impact on the region.

Community leaders expected to attend include Mayor Van Johnson, Visit Savannah President and CEO Joseph Marinelli, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bert Brantley, and other former Visit Savannah presidents.

Today, tourism generates $4.1 billion in direct spending each year and supports more than 28,000 local jobs across Savannah and Chatham County.