ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Visit Albany is celebrating the economic impact tourism brings to the Dougherty County area as it observes National Travel and Tourism Week 2026.

The theme for this year’s National Travel and Tourism Week, which runs May 3-9, 2026, is “Postmarked: Essential,” acknowledging how travelers bring lasting impacts to communities they visit.

Visit Albany plans to host an event on Thursday, May 7, in honor of National Travel and Tourism Week. “All Aboard Albany” will bring together representatives from local attractions, hotels and community members to promote continued and collaborative economic growth.

The event will be held at the Albany Jet Center, 3905 Newton Road Suite 111 in Albany from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday.

The travel industry generates $3 trillion and supports 15 million jobs across America. That represents 2.4 percent of our country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

The nationwide numbers are huge, but the local income generated by tourism in the Dougherty-Albany area brings hundreds of millions of dollars of income each year.

The latest tourism statistics available from 2024 reveal Dougherty County generated $323.7 million in visitor spending and $27.3 million in state and local taxes. The resulting numbers even generates tax savings for Dougherty County families. Visit Albany estimates that state and local tax contribution saved local taxpayers about $795 per household.

Kasey L. Summerville, President and CEO of Visit Albany, said the Albany-Dougherty area checks a great many boxes for tourists with its mix of historic locations, appealing attractions and modern amenities.

Summerville recently spent time with planners who book bus tours across the country and shared with them the advantages Albany offers groups that travel.

“Because when you come to Albany...it’s easily accessible,” said Summerville. “So it’s not a lot of hustle and bustle when you get into the destination. It’s minimal traffic. Parking is good. It’s affordable. And then while you’re here, we have some great things that you can see.”

Summerville pointed out that visitors can take in destinations such as Radium Springs, Chehaw Park and Zoo, the Albany Museum of Arts, the Albany Civil Rights Museum and Flint RiverQuarium.

“You can easily come into our destination and have easy access into the buildings, into where you park. And you can then go have an affordable lunch with an incredible chef,” Summerville added.

However, Albany also offers an intangible that Summerville believes is also a big draw: genuine Southern hospitality.

“What you’re going to experience when you’re here is good Southern hospitality. People have been so kind and nice to me. I have not had a bad experience at a restaurant or at any establishment since I’ve been here,” said Summerville.

Summerville said she believes Albany’s best days are ahead—and she’s a big believer that people who live here and know the area can be the biggest ambassadors to promote growth.

“I need everyone talking positively about this city, sharing positively about this city because when we are speaking positively about it in different places and spaces, it makes people interested,” said Summerville. “Bringing people into our destination improves the lives of all of the people that are here.”

Summerville encourages everyone to follow Visit Albany’s social media platforms and sign-up to receive the organization’s newsletter and text club.

To find out more, visit the organization’s website.

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