PRESS RELEASE: Macon, Georgia Hits More ‘Don’t Miss’ Lists for Travelers in 2024

MACON, GA (January 3, 2024) — Visit Macon is pleased to announce that Macon, Georgia has piqued the interest of more well-known national travel publications for 2024, including Travel+Leisure’s “The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024,” AARP’s “8 Affordable U.S. Destinations for 2024 and Southern Living’s “12 Southern Trips We Can’t Wait to Plan.”

“After such a successful effort in 2023 in response to Macon’s bicentennial celebration, pending developments in the region’s efforts for Ocmulgee Mounds to become a National Park, and the revitalization efforts of our beautiful Downtown, we knew that topping such a banner year was not going to be an easy achievement,” explains Gary Wheat, President and CEO of Visit Macon. “But, I am thrilled to report that 2024 is off to a fantastic start! Thanks to the efforts of our fantastic partners, businesses and the hundreds of people who embody the civic pride and spirit required to move Macon into its brightest future possible… the buzz surrounding Macon, Georgia isn’t going to stop anytime soon!”

You can read the entire Travel+Leisure feature, here: https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-places-to-go-2024-8385979

In 2023, Visit Macon’s National media coverage extended into 52 stories with a total ad value equivalent exceeding $8.8 million. An increase from $2.4 million in the year 2022. This included some of its biggest media moments in New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel+Leisure, Bloomberg, Garden & Gun, and The Daily Beast.

Macon, Georgia was also featured on The Discovery Network’s Destination America: Lost In! television series and on CBS This Morning in 2023.

The marketing team at Visit Macon continues to promote and host travel writers, social media influencers and press relations which furthers our mission to showcase Macon as a premier leisure and meeting destination. All while working with Macon’s community partners and leaders to continue to grow visitor attractions, support local businesses and book more hotel rooms -- resulting in a substantial economic impact on our city.

“With the addition of the new Rhythm and Rally -- the world’s largest indoor pickleball complex -- our beautiful new amphitheater opening this March, the development of the Otis Redding Center for the Arts and more in Downtown Macon, new hotels coming in line, and what will soon be Georgia’s first National Park,” continues Gary Wheat. “...we are expecting more visitors than ever!”

“Everyone who works in Macon’s hospitality industry is key to what we can accomplish moving forward. Build it and they will come, but give them a reason to love coming back and we’ve secured economic opportunity well into Macon’s future as well.”

For more information, please email mrodgers@visitmacon.org or visit our website at http://www.visitmacon.org.

About Visit Macon: The mission of Visit Macon is to unify and lead our community in marketing the Macon-Bibb County area as a superior visitor and meeting destination. Visit Macon promotes Macon, Georgia to travel writers, meeting planners, group tour operators and leisure travelers in an effort to bring people and revenues into the community and area businesses. http://www.visitmacon.org