Savannah Convention and Visitors Bureau

Savannah Convention and Visitors Bureau
Name	Savannah Convention and Visitors Bureau
Formation	1970s
Type	Convention and visitors bureau
Headquarters	Savannah, Georgia
Region served	Chatham County
Leader title	President & CEO

Savannah Convention and Visitors Bureau The Savannah Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Savannah, Georgia, serving as a central agency for tourism, convention bidding, and visitor services. It operates within the context of Savannah, Georgia, Chatham County, Georgia, Downtown Savannah Historic District, and the Savannah Historic District, coordinating with municipal and regional partners such as City of Savannah (Georgia), Visit Savannah, and state entities like Explore Georgia. The bureau interfaces with cultural institutions including the Telfair Museums, Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah Theatre, and event venues such as the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center.

History

Established amid shifts in postwar urban development, the bureau emerged during the late 20th century when destinations like New Orleans, Charleston, South Carolina, and St. Augustine, Florida amplified heritage tourism. Early initiatives linked the bureau to preservation efforts associated with figures and sites including James Oglethorpe, Bonaventure Cemetery, and the River Street (Savannah, Georgia). Throughout the 1980s and 1990s it expanded services as conventions grew alongside festivals such as the Savannah Music Festival, the Savannah Film Festival, and the St. Patrick's Day parade (Savannah). In the 21st century the bureau adapted to trends influenced by organizations like Meeting Professionals International, Destination Marketing Association International, and responses to crises involving agencies such as Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Organization and Governance

The bureau's governance structure aligns with models used by entities like the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Florida, and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. A board of directors typically includes representatives from sectors such as hospitality chains like Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, and Hyatt, as well as from attractions including the Telfair Academy, Georgia State Railroad Museum, and performing arts organizations like the Savannah Philharmonic. Executive leadership collaborates with local officials from Savannah City Council, regional planners from Chatham County Commission, and stakeholders linked to educational institutions such as Savannah College of Art and Design and Georgia Southern University. Financial oversight interfaces with funding mechanisms including hotel-motel tax frameworks used in jurisdictions like Miami-Dade County, Florida and King County, Washington.

Responsibilities and Services

Primary responsibilities mirror those of agencies such as Tourism Ireland and VisitBritain: destination marketing, convention sales, visitor information, and research. Service offerings include convention bid support for venues comparable to the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center, site inspections akin to processes used by Pennsylvania Convention Center, and concierge services similar to those provided by New York City Tourism + Conventions. The bureau maintains visitor centers, distributes printed materials referencing landmarks such as Forsyth Park, Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, and Oglethorpe Mall, and operates digital platforms consistent with standards from TripAdvisor, Expedia Group, and Google Travel.

Marketing and Events

Marketing strategies apply techniques promoted by organizations like American Marketing Association, Brand USA, and Ad Council, leveraging campaigns tied to events such as the Savannah Music Festival, the Savannah Bananas exhibitions, and the Savannah Film Festival at venues like the Lucas Theatre. The bureau coordinates citywide events, partners with festival producers from entities like Savannah Stopover Music Festival and collaborates with performing arts presenters such as Johnny Mercer Foundation. Promotional channels draw on relationships with media outlets including Savannah Morning News, travel trade partners like American Society of Association Executives, and meeting planners affiliated with Professional Convention Management Association.

Economic Impact and Statistics

The bureau compiles metrics comparable to reports issued by U.S. Travel Association, Georgia Department of Economic Development, and municipal studies from cities like Charleston, South Carolina. Key indicators include visitor counts tied to maritime arrivals at the Port of Savannah, hotel occupancy paralleling data from brands like InterContinental Hotels Group, and spending estimates influenced by cruise operations such as those managed by Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean International. Economic analyses reference tax revenue streams resembling those in Orlando, Florida and assess employment impacts in sectors represented by American Hotel & Lodging Association and National Restaurant Association.

Partnerships and Community Outreach

Partnerships extend to cultural institutions including Telfair Museums, Savannah College of Art and Design, and SCAD Museum of Art, as well as to transportation agencies like Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and regional transit providers akin to Chatham Area Transit. Community outreach involves collaboration with nonprofit organizations such as Historic Savannah Foundation, tourism trade groups like Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus, and local business alliances comparable to Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. Joint initiatives address workforce development with programs resembling Hospitality Training Academy models and sustainability efforts informed by guidelines from United Nations World Tourism Organization and Sustainable Travel International.

Category:Tourism in Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Organizations based in Savannah, Georgia