In late 2016, the City of Savannah engaged The EXPERIENCE Institute® (TEI) to develop a tourism management plan with the goal of balancing resident needs with industry interests. The Tourism Management Plan represents a unique partnership with the Downtown Neighborhood Association, Visit Savannah, the Historic Savannah Foundation (each of which contributed $5,000), and the Tourism Leadership Council, which provided $1,500. The City provided $16,900 to the project and secured a $10,000 competitive grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation.

The Tourism Management Plant was designed to be a comprehensive, living document serving as a strategic roadmap to guide city, residential, preservation, and tourism industry efforts for the next three to five years in managing tourism-related dynamics, challenges, and opportunities. 

The Tourism Advisory Council, appointed by the Mayor and Aldermen, unanimously approved recommending adoption of the plan and implementation schedule. Plan recommendations include:

Preserve the Historic District experience for visitors and residents:

• Pursue funding for new amenities for visitors and residents
• Support development of an archeology ordinance
• Identify additional public restroom locations, including the east end of River Street
• Establish noise task force
• Explore participation in Global Sustainable Tourism Council
• Develop sustainability standards for waste removal at special events
• Implement recommendations from Parking Matters study

Tour Management:

• Restructure the Tourism Advisory Council to reflect neighborhoods, preservation and tourism industry
• Develop website to better communicate with stakeholders
• Develop strategy to create entertainment/hospitality district to better address afterhours management
• Limit hours of tour operations in residential area
• Identify infrastructure needed for public safety camera video integration system
• Implement public safety and nightlife checklist
• Determine whether community improvement districts could be established in newly branded districts
• Incorporate identification and safety standards for walking tours
• Encourage tour companies to certify tour guides through Tourism Leadership Council
• Research use of medallion and franchise system to reduce saturation of tours
• Establish alternative holding location for motor coaches outside Historic District
• Explore car share program and expanding bike share program
• Support initiatives to develop career paths
• Support workforce housing initiatives

Balancing Visitation / Interconnecting Districts:

• Identify and brand districts within the City
• Provide stronger connectivity between districts
• Further implement pedestrian wayfinding program
• Develop walking trail themes to celebrate Savannah's cultural districts
• Support the Dot shuttle and encourage connection between districts

Approval