Savannah Chamber

is undertaking the years-long process for further deepening. Pair that up with the Mason Mega Rail project, which made Savannah's port the largest on-port rail yard in the country, plus ongoing road improvements involving Interstates 95 and 16, and you've got a logistics trifecta. The Port of Savannah has doubled down on its specialization in containerized freight. The Colonel's Island terminal in Brunswick now handles "roll-on, roll-off" cargo like cars, trucks and heavy equipment. With the two deepwater ports and a growing array of inland ports (trucking and rail facilities), port activity stretches to every corner of the state. STRONG MILITARY ASSETS Along with a storied military history from the Revolutionary War to the Mighty Eighth Air Force, the city is home to Hunter Army Airfield, a vital hub of the Fort Stewart complex, which is the largest military installation east of the Mississippi River. Fort Stewart, with headquarters located 40 miles southwest of Savannah in Hinesville, is home of the 3rd Infantry Division. Together, Hunter and Fort Stewart have an annual $5.8 billion financial impact on the local economy. Savannah is also home to a significant U.S. Coast Guard presence and an Air National Guard unit. A LEADING DESTINATION Savannah and Chatham County continue to thrive as a premier hub for tourism and hospitality, playing a vital role in driving the region's visitor economy. The industry directly supports more than 28,000 jobs and careers, highlighting its importance to the local workforce. Year after year, Savannah earns top rankings as one of America's favorite travel destinations in prominent outlets such as Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Tripadvisor, and CNN Travel. In 2025, Savannah welcomed 12.9 million visitors, who contributed more than $4.1 billion to the local economy. The city is also home to one of the Southeast's largest convention centers, now even more impressive following a $276 million expansion. With nonstop air service to more than 30 cities nationwide, Savannah remains easily accessible and continues to grow as a magnet for both leisure and business travelers. AN AVIATION HUB Savannah is the home of Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. — which employs more than 13,000 in the region — and the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. It's also geographically positioned between The Boeing Co. in Charleston and Embraer in Jacksonville, making Savannah ideally situated for air travel and aerospace manufacturing. Local colleges sweeten the deal, creating a specialized workforce of experts by offering tailored educational programs, including aircraft structural and electrical assembly. A CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY MECCA Workforce development programs and a wealth of higher education options keep Savannahians on top of the latest trends in technology — from interactive entertainment design and film and media production to logistics management and database development. Another resource, Startup Savannah, a nonprofit organization in partnership with the Savannah Economic Development Authority and the City of Savannah, nurtures and supports those engaged in creative or innovative endeavors. Georgia continues to be a top filming state, and Chatham County is second only to Atlanta in the number of movie and TV shoots hosted in the Peach State. The bright lights are nothing new to Savannah and Tybee Island, which were backdrops for such classics as "Glory," "Forrest Gump" and local favorite "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." "Road House 2" and "Comeback King" starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Glen Powell, respectively, are just a couple of the more recent locally filmed projects. ENERGETIC MAIN STREET From valuable antiques to visitor souvenirs, Savannah's retail sector offers it all, with national chains as well as independent and unique shops all thriving. Sample the offerings at Oglethorpe Mall on Abercorn Street and along key commercial corridors such as U.S. 17 in Richmond Hill and Godley Station in Pooler, near the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Pooler is also the home to Tanger Outlets Savannah, just off I-95. Indie boutiques, multinational restaurants and trend-setting bistros enliven Savannah's downtown Historic District, including local hot spots Broughton Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, the Downtown Design District near Whitaker and Jones streets, and the bustling enclaves of Savannah's Waterfront and City Market. In Midtown, the Starland District is a dynamic area of shops, restaurants, nightspots and venues. Visitor Spending (in billions): 2020 $2.2 2021 $2.8 2022 $3.7 2023 $3.9 2024 $4.1 2025 $4.1 Most recent data from Tourism Economics, a division of Oxford Economics SAVANNAHCHAMBER.COM 39 W O R K I N G H E R E

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