Fewer visitors are coming to Savannah, but that those that do make it to the Hostess City are spending more. The 7% decline in 2008 visitor numbers released this week was not shocking, as the nation remains mired in recession. About six million people visited Savannah last year. Total visitor spending also declined by about 2, to just under $2 billion. On the positive side, those visitors that came, on average, stayed longer and spent more. The city has tried various campaigns recently aimed at luring a more high dollar visitor. That could pay off when the recession ends. Savannah's number one industry is tourism. Statewide, tourism is off by about 12%, with regional competitors Atlanta, Charleston and Jacksonville each down by more than 13%.
