Governor Brian Kemp visited Jekyll Island on Friday to announce that Georgia is open for business and ready for the return of a thriving tourism industry.

Kemp was standing outside the Jekyll Island Convention Center, his back to the sand dunes, facing the beach. He expressed optimism that the pandemic’s impact on the state’s tourism and hospitality industries will soon end and that travel and leisure will flourish.

“As we stand here today, I know that many of us can’t help but be reminded of where we were a year ago,” said Kemp. “Travel had stopped, businesses had started to close, and hard-working Georgians in all sectors and industries faced economic ruin. They weren’t sure how much longer they could take care of themselves and their families.”

Tourism and hospitality were among the hardest hit industries during the pandemic, and in March 2020 the industry appeared to be closed overnight, said Mark Jaronski, deputy commissioner for Georgia’s Ministry of Economic Development.

In Georgia, after a record year in 2019, travel expenses fell by $ 12 billion in 2020. Around 82,000 people lost their jobs in the leisure and hospitality sectors.

“I knew we had to take measured steps to keep our economy open so that our men and women who live in this great state could fight another day,” said Kemp.

Travel income in the state fell by $ 640 million last year, and hotel income was down 41 percent.

“Without the actions and decisions of Governor Brian Kemp, things could have been a lot worse here in Georgia,” Jaronski said. “The governor’s leadership started repairing the Georgia tourism industry. This gave our industry the license to operate and the ability to meet our customers’ needs. “

Georgia was among the last states to impose emergency shelters or close shops at the start of the pandemic, and was also one of the first to reopen in April 2020. Kemp received significant criticism of these decisions, some alleging it resulted in more COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the state.

Throughout the pandemic, the governor has stressed the need for the state to protect lives and livelihoods by promoting both health and economic interests.

“While this approach wasn’t always the most popular with the media and national experts, it was the right one and worked,” said Kemp.

However, the decision to keep certain businesses, state parks and beaches open and press early on to ease restrictions enabled the tourism industry to continue operating in Georgia despite the pandemic, several people said on Friday. It puts the state in a better economic position to revitalize the industry, they said.

Local tourism officials are already predicting a good spring and summer show.

Jaronski announced the launch of a new Georgia tourism campaign entitled “Ready, Set, GA” aimed at addressing the diverse mindsets of those looking to travel this year.

“We are ready to lead this nation in the return of the tourism industry,” said Jaronski. “All leading economists say that the restoration of tourism is essential for our country’s economic recovery. Make no mistake, the recovery will take place. “

On Jekyll Island, visitor numbers declined and revenue declined in 2020. The convention center business was particularly hard hit, affecting many other aspects of the island business, such as: B. Hotel Income.

Still, many came to Jekyll on year-round recovery from pandemic lockdowns and homework.

“It’s no surprise that Jekyll was the perfect recreational area and getaway for leisure and family travelers during the pandemic due to its natural resources,” said Jones Hooks, executive director of the Jekyll Island Authority. “Unfortunately, we are grappling with group and convention deals not just in Jekyll but throughout the state of Georgia.”

After the press conference, Kemp and others took a tour of the new Courtyard & Residence Inn by Marriott on Jekyll, which is still under construction and due to open soon.

After that, Kemp traveled to Waycross, where he received his COVID-19 vaccine at a mass clinic along with his daughter and a few employees.

Kemp said his office will announce a plan to ease remaining COVID-19 restrictions in Georgia in the next few days. An executive order will be issued on April 1st, he said.

“I am incredibly optimistic about where we are going as a state,” said Kemp. “What seemed like a steady stream of bad news a year ago has been replaced with hope and optimism for the first time in a long time.”

He also encouraged all eligible Georgians, who now include everyone 16 years of age or older, to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“This is a medical miracle and it will end the pandemic,” said Kemp. “And that’s why we’re here today to signal that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We’re getting out of this, but the way to really end it completely is to get people vaccinated. “

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR