Like many places around the world, our tourism took a big hit in 2020 because of COVID-19. According to Visit Macon, our community lost around $1.5 million in hotel/motel tax revenue.

Along with lodging, attractions and events in the county lost money and businesses are trying to get back on their feet. The Commission approved getting help the tourism industry by approving $3 million for Visit Macon to distribute as grants to replace lost revenue.

“For tourism and hospitality, this creates an opportunity for us to get back in the game and return to the increasing profitability and number of visits we were all seeing before the pandemic,” said Visit Macon CEO Gary Wheat. “Macon-Bibb supports 3,800 hospitality jobs, which means this money will be supporting the wonderful people that showcase our community to visitors from around the world.”

Once the applications go live, businesses can apply for grants through Visit Macon.