The Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) is participating in National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) May 3-9. The annual celebration of the contributions and accomplishments of the U.S. travel industry will spotlight resilience and hope in the face of the coronavirus pandemic with this year’s theme: The Spirit of Travel.

Travel and Tourism is a considerable contributor to the economic vitality of Augusta’s River Region.  The industry generates $586 Million in visitor spending, supports over 5,000 jobs and each residential property owner in Augusta saves nearly $600 in annual property taxes thanks to overnight visitors. While many of those 5,000 people have now faced hardships due to COVID-19 their value and contribution to the economy cannot be ignored. “This community is proud, we’re resilient and we are strong. Together we will weather this storm. Although things in general will likely be a little different as we pull out of this, from this day forward let there be no doubt of the value of the tourism, travel and hospitality industry and how it is absolutely essential in bringing life to this community and to every community,” said Bennish Brown, President/CEO.

Since in-person rallies and events that have been hallmarks of NTTW in years past are not an option this year, the Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau is engaging the community throughout the week, encouraging residents to embrace the spirit of travel by celebrating the birthday of the Godfather of Soul, saluting the exemplary members of the local hospitality industry, and encouraging a written “love note” to our city hallmarks showing support, appreciation, and most of all, love.

Please follow ACVB NTTW efforts on Facebook @visitaugusta, Instagram @visitaugusta, and Twitter @visitaugustaga, and join in to show support for the tourism industry by using #LoveAugusta and #NTTW20.

The ACVB is also proud to announce the release of the inaugural Augusta Experience Guide for visitors and locals which features easy ways for people to experience the soul, funk, and historic charm of Augusta.

The 2020 Augusta Experience Guide showcases Augusta’s downtown, arts & cultural scene, music legends Mr. James Brown and Jessye Norman, outdoor adventure both on and off the water, local food scene, golf, our cyber community, veteran owned businesses, day trips, and signature events. The guide features downtown, area neighborhood and greater Augusta maps to aid the reader in getting around the city.

The Augusta Experience Guide is distributed locally, out-of-area to state/regional visitor centers and in direct mail requests for Augusta information worldwide. Locally, the magazine is available at Augusta & Co., area Food Lion stores and the Fort Gordon Post Exchange, and outdoor display stands in downtown Augusta, North Augusta, and Columbia County. Thousands of annual guests attending meetings, conventions, sports tournaments and festivals will also receive the Augusta Experience Guide promoting opportunities to enhance their experience. To view the digital version or order a complimentary copy click here.