NEWS

Despite the global Covid-19 pandemic, Tybee Island’s visitation numbers continued to be strong and steady throughout the remainder of 2020. Since July, bed tax collections were the highest they have ever been. Tybee Island finished the year only down 5.8 percent from 2019, which was already the best year on record.

“When the pandemic hit in March, none of us had any idea what would come of it,” says Joseph Marinelli, president of Visit Tybee. “That was then followed by April, the worst travel month on record in the U.S. To see these results for Tybee Island says to me that, as a visitor destination, it has everything folks are looking for. A place to relax, a perfect setting for a remote workplace, and an ideal location for family travel.”

Tybee Island finished the year only down 5.8 percent from 2019, which was already the best year on record.

“The roller coaster ride of 2020 provided Tybee businesses with many challenges and opportunities,” said Amy Gaster, president and co-owner of Tybee Vacation Rentals. “We moved from fear and uncertainty in April to a full out rebound in the second half of the year, with record breaking visitation and occupancy. Our guests have appreciated the small town hospitality our community has offered, and our workforce has done an amazing job welcoming travelers safely to our beautiful destination.”