Tour de Georgia Economic Impact

Over on Tybee where the Tour de Georgia begins Monday, NEWS 3'S Tristan Tully shows us how the race will impact the island's economy.

The Tour de Georgia is bringing hundreds of people to Tybee Island.

Richard Adams, VP Tybee Art Association:

"It's probably the biggest event that Tybee has seen since the 1930s."

So business owners are gearing up for the crowd.

Susan Kelleher, Seaside Sisters Co-Owner:

"Oh it's great, yeah, we are expecting a big boost.  Even if people don't come out and shop, the exposure for the island is great."

And that seems to be the consensus.  Whether people drop the big bucks or not, Tybee locals are thrilled about the exposure.

Diane Kaufman, Owner, Mermaid Cottages:

"Anything helps.  We are still in our shoulder season; this is not our peak season yet so any visitor that comes to the island that spends the money and enjoys the destination is key."

Susan Kelleher, Seaside Sisters Co-Owner:

"It's an international crowd coming and I'm sure most of them have never even heard of Tybee Island so for that exposure nationally and internationally is fabulous.  I mean, you can't buy that."

And so if business is booming or the exposure rules out, Seaside Sisters co-owner Susan Kelleher says she's happy either way, "It's all good whether I do extra money or whether I'm just meeting and greeting people, which is just as fun to do too, it's all good."

Road Closure Information:

The Tour de Georgia starts at 10:30 Monday morning with the first stage of the race going from 16th Street on Tybee Island to Islands Expressway and President Street, then across Oglethorpe Avenue to Louisville Road.  The race winds through Garden City, Pooler, and Bloomingdale before coming back to Savannah at Liberty and Tattnall Streets.  Tybee Island officials want to let everyone know the causeway between Bull River and Lazaretto Creek will be temporarily closed to allow the race to come through.  That will be Monday morning from 10:15 until about 11:30.  They say plan accordingly.

Related Links:  http://www.tourdegeorgia.com/