Facts & Figures

The Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau Mission
To enhance our local economy by leading marketing initiatives which promote metro Augusta as a visitor destination and by fostering the continued development of our tourism product.

Introduction
The Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau, Inc. (ACVB) is a not-for-profit 501(c) (6) corporation responsible for promoting tourism in the metropolitan Augusta area. This sales and marketing organization is the exclusive provider of tourism promotion services and operates under service agreements with the City of Augusta.

History
Augusta's first Convention and Visitors Bureau was established in 1980 as a department of the Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce. In 1988, the City and County created the Augusta-Richmond County Convention and Visitors Bureau as a joint entity of the two governments. On January 1, 1997, ACVB, Inc. was created and an agreement was signed with Augusta- Richmond County.

Purpose
To solicit and service conventions, motorcoaches, and other group business. To engage in visitor promotions which generate overnight stays in the Augusta area, thereby enhancing and developing the local economy.

Objective
The primary objective of ACVB is to look beyond daily occupancy rates of hotels and position metropolitan Augusta as a destination by developing an image that will attract visitors. This is accomplished through an aggressive advertising and public relations campaign; sales efforts within the convention and motorcoach markets; and providing support to the Greater Augusta Sports Council to promote the area as a destination for sporting events. ACVB also operates the Augusta Visitor Information Center.

Funding
Primary funding is derived from a portion of the local 6% lodging tax. ACVB receives 33% and the Coliseum Authority receives 50% of the lodging tax. ACVB administers a tourism grant with part of the remaining funds to local agencies. ACVB also receives a portion of the mixed drink tax from Augusta to operate the Welcome Center. ACVB also receives a small grant from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, as well as in-kind support from community partners.

Economic Benefits
In our community each year:

• More than 1.5 million people visit.
• Tourist expenditures are greater than $366 million.
• Tourism and hospitality related industries account for more than 5,000 jobs.
• Tourism generates over $11 million in local taxes.
• Without visitor spending, state and local resident taxes would increase by an average of $380 per household.
  Source: GDITT: TIA 2003