THOMASVILLE — Every Thomas County household would be taxed an additional $291 annually to replace taxes generated by local tourism economic activity, the City of Thomasville’s tourism director said.

Tourism has a vital economic impact on the community, Tourism Director Bonnie Hayes told Thomasville Payroll Development (PDA) members.

Most tourists come to Thomasville from Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee looking for an “authentic Southern experience” not available where they live, Hayes said.

Thomasville/Thomas County 2016 numbers show tourism:

• Supported 635 jobs

• Generated $71.20 million in direct tourist spending

• Generated $2.98 million in state tax revenue

• Generated $2.05 million in payroll

Thomas County is in the state-designated Plantation Trace Region, which includes 27 Southwest Georgia counties. Hayes said 5.82 million tourists visited the region in 2016 — the most recent figures available.

“Currently, our area is very strong in the dining and culinary areas,” Hayes told PDA members.

She said downtown shopping and dining and the community’s history are the biggest draws described by visitors.

Hays provided information that shows the average age of the Plantation Trace Region visitor is 50 to 64, married, predominately traveling without children, with an average income of $65,000, and 83 percent are traveling for leisure.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820