White County was part of the Georgia Department of Economic Development's annual regional tour of Georgia, which this year spotlighted the state’s Mountain Region.
Officials with the White County Community and Economic Development Department welcomed Consulate Generals from approximately 25 foreign governments on Tuesday as part of a three-day tour by the Georgia Department of Economic Development, which provides an opportunity for representatives from foreign governments with operations in Georgia to gain firsthand knowledge of different areas of the state, in hopes of fostering greater understanding and promoting economic partnerships.
The visit to White County showcased the area’s thriving tourism industry. During the tour, the Consulate General delegation enjoyed a scenic ride through Alpine Helen, accompanied by Jerry Brown, Executive Director of the White County/Alpine Helen Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The visit culminated with a luncheon at Yonah Mountain Vineyards, where Travis Turner, Chairman of the White County Board of Commissioners, formally welcomed the dignitaries to White County. During his remarks, Chairman Turner underscored the vital role that tourism and agriculture play in supporting the local economy. He shared how visitors contribute to local initiatives and help make it possible for the county to invest in projects that benefit both citizens and guests alike.
“In 2024 alone, visitors to White County helped generate more than $8 million in Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST),” Turner noted. “These funds allow us to move forward with important capital projects, support public safety initiatives like fire trucks and Sheriff’s vehicles, and maintain the roads we all travel.”
Turner also highlighted the positive impact of the county's growing tourism market, in which hotel/motel taxes contribute significantly to White County’s ability to enhance tourism offerings and community services.
“We are fortunate to have a vibrant tourism industry that not only showcases the beauty and charm of White County but also provides vital support for community improvements,” Turner said. “Whether enhancing our parks and recreational facilities or expanding opportunities for sports and outdoor activities, tourism makes a real difference here.”
Turner also highlighted some of White County’s signature attractions that draw visitors from around the world, such as Babyland General Hospital—the birthplace of the beloved Cabbage Patch Kids—and the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center, a hub for local arts, culture, and history.
Chairman Turner closed by thanking the Consulate Generals for their visit and encouraging them to share White County’s story with others. “We hope you will return and bring others to experience all White County has to offer,” he said.
Following the luncheon, the Consulates took a guided tour of Yonah Mountain Vineyards that offered an inside look at the vineyard’s 200-acre estate, nestled at the base of iconic Yonah Mountain.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2025/3/1289675/white-county-part-of-regional-tour-with-georgia-department-of-economic-development