How Tourism Powered Valdosta in 2025

October 29th, 2026

Every time someone visits Valdosta, the impact reaches well beyond a single trip. A dinner downtown, a night at a local hotel or a day at one of our attractions all add up, fueling an economic engine that drives growth, supports local businesses and enriches daily life for all residents.

The latest numbers show just how much. According to the newly released 2025 Economic Impact of Tourism in Georgia report, visitors spent more than $471 million in Valdosta-Lowndes County in 2025. That’s a 2.7% increase from the year before and an 11% increase since 2023.

At its heart, tourism in Valdosta is about people, livelihoods and opportunity. Each visitor who chooses this South Georgia destination helps improve the economic growth of the community, supports families, creates jobs and attracts new investment. By sharing Valdosta’s warm hospitality, rich Southern culture and one-of-a-kind experiences, we aim to keep the city among the top places to visit in Georgia and a go-to destination for weekend trips to Georgia.

Tourism Supports Local Jobs

Tourism is one of the biggest drivers of jobs in our community. It’s easy to think of tourism as just vacations and events, but it’s really about the local businesses and people at the heart of Valdosta. Every visit that brings someone into town to explore, shop and dine shows the impact of tourism on a community.

In 2025, visitor spending directly supported 5,871 jobs in Lowndes County, up 1% from 2024. That means 7.9% of all jobs in the county are sustained by visitors. These are the people who staff our restaurants, hotels, shops and attractions, and they are our friends and neighbors.

Those jobs keep dollars flowing into local restaurants, retail shops, hotels and attractions, as residents feel the benefits of tourism every day. That support is what keeps Valdosta growing and thriving.

The benefits of tourism reach residents even if they never set foot in a hotel. In 2025, visitors generated $39.5 million in state and local taxes. That works out to about $856 in tax savings for every household in Lowndes County. Those dollars help fund the services and projects residents rely on, such as roads, parks, public safety and schools. Every visitor who fills up a gas tank or books a room in Valdosta is helping invest in the community we all call home.

Where Visitor Dollars Go

Visitor spending reaches nearly every corner of the local economy. In 2025, food and beverage led the way at $143.9 million, nearly a third of all visitor spending. Lodging followed with $107.2 million, as travelers checked into hotels for weekend getaways, sports tournaments, business trips and family visits. Visitors also spent $78 million on retail, $75.6 million on transportation and $66.4 million on recreation.

Behind each of those numbers are local businesses. From family-owned restaurants to local boutiques and outdoor adventures, businesses across Valdosta and Lowndes County share in the benefits. When visitors stay overnight, dine out, shop local and explore our attractions, their spending creates a ripple effect that reaches throughout the community, giving every visitor the chance to make an impact.

Growth After Hurricane Helene

This period of growth comes after a difficult time for the people of Valdosta. Hurricane Helene hit the town in 2024, creating serious challenges for businesses across the region as they worked to rebuild and recover from the financial strain. Through it all, tourism remained an important source of economic activity, helping local businesses keep their doors open and their employees working.

It has continued to create opportunities ever since. The 2025 numbers show just that. They depict a community that bounced back and kept moving forward, and they’re a reminder of how much visitors help Valdosta weather tough times. Through it all, tourism was able to provide additional support and show the resilience of the people of Valdosta.

Make Your Own Impact with the Visit Valdosta Pass

If you want to be part of the economic growth that bursts through this city, it is best to discover all this town has to offer, and you can do that with the Visit Valdosta Pass. The Visit Valdosta Pass is one of the easiest ways to explore the area and support local attractions at the same time. For one low price, the pass bundles four of Valdosta’s favorite experiences.

Start with a full day at Wild Adventures Theme Park, where you’ll find rides, animal encounters and water attractions for all ages. Then head to Recoil Trampoline Park for a two-hour VIP experience packed with glow karts, laser tag, virtual reality, climbing and arcade credits. Cool off at Valdosta Wake Compound Aqua Park with aqua park access and an hour of cable wakeboarding. For the youngest explorers, the pass includes admission to the Children’s Imagination Station at the Turner Center for the Arts, a hands-on learning space where kids can play, create and discover.

The pass is a great fit for a family weekend, a getaway with friends or a staycation for locals looking to rediscover their hometown. Pair it with dinner at a local restaurant and an overnight stay, and your trip helps support the jobs and businesses that make Valdosta special.

Building on the Momentum

The 2025 numbers show why continued investment in tourism matters. More than $471 million in visitor spending, thousands of local jobs and millions in tax revenue all point to an industry that strengthens Valdosta in ways residents feel every day. Visit Valdosta’s goal is to build on this momentum and help tourism’s benefits reach even more businesses, workers and residents throughout Lowndes County.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or have lived here your whole life, there’s always a reason to explore Valdosta and be part of what keeps our community growing.