The Georgia Aquarium is on of the state's top tourist attractions

It was an historic year for tourism in Georgia.

According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, tourism contributed over $50 billion to the state economy. It is the first time in state history that tourism dollars have surpassed the $50 billion mark.

The overall $51.2 billion in tourism generated dollars produced almost $3 billion in state and local tax dollars.

According to a Georgia Department of Economic Development press release, “Georgia Tourism had its best year ever,” said Kevin Langston, deputy commissioner for tourism for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “With more than 405,000 jobs directly or indirectly sustained by tourism activities, our industry is responsible for 10.2 percent of all jobs in the state.”

The U.S. Travel Association and Tourism Economics, states that Georgia’s visitor impact now stands 12 percent higher than its pre-recession level in 2007.