Director of Policy and Research Tyler Reinagel shares insights on tourism investment, local funding models, and economic impact
For more information, contact Tyler Reinagel, Director of Policy and Research | treinagel@csg.org
On Aug. 14, 2025, CSG South Director of Policy and Research Tyler Reinagel presented to the Georgia Senate Study Committee on Making Georgia the No. 1 State for Tourism. His testimony highlighted the economic impact of tourism across Georgia and the South, the structure of state and local tourism offices, and how different funding models support tourism development.
Reinagel noted that nearly 257,000 jobs in Georgia are directly tied to the tourism industry, with $35.4 billion in visitor spending generating nearly $5 billion in state and local tax revenue in 2023. He emphasized that tourism investments yield measurable returns, citing national studies that show every $1 invested in tourism promotion generates an estimated $122 in direct, indirect, and induced spending, along with more than $8 in state and local tax revenue.
The presentation also examined how Southern states organize and fund their tourism offices, ranging from state agencies and independent departments to public-private partnerships. Reinagel outlined how locally generated dollars are allocated in Georgia, with the first 3% of revenue unrestricted and additional funds restricted to tourism promotion and product development. These funds are often directed through contracts with destination marketing organizations to ensure industry-led investment.
Comparative examples from states such as Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina illustrated how hotel, lodging, and hospitality taxes are structured and restricted for tourism-related use. Reinagel also addressed themes across the South, including local control, investment in visitor assets such as convention centers and sports facilities, and reliance on industry professionals to guide spending decisions.
Finally, he discussed vulnerabilities within the tourism sector, including the impact of COVID-19, inflation, shifts in remote work, and competition for tourism dollars. He emphasized the importance of continuing strategic tourism investments, refining marketing approaches, and supporting infrastructure that enhances visitor experiences statewide.
For more information, view these resources below:
- Presentation slides from the CSG South testimony
- Full video of the Georgia Senate Study Committee hearing, featuring testimony from Tyler Reinagel, CSG South’s director of policy and research.
- Explore additional insights from the hearing and Georgia tourism initiatives in this related article
