Tybee Island…“The Southeast’s Eco-Friendly Beach Get-

away”

Site Description18 miles from Savannah,

Georgia4 hours from AtlantaPopulation of 4,0002.7 square milesEast side of the island is

beachfront, with hotelsWest side is wetlands

Goals and ObjectivesEnsure sustainable and profitable tourism

growthPreserve the “sense of place”Maintain the natural environmentEducate locals and tourists about the natural

environmentCreate easy access for tourists and locals

History In the 1920’s Tybee was one of the largest resort towns in

the Southeast because it was a short train or boat ride from Savannah

Tybee experienced a period of mass tourismThe Tybrisa Pavillion was the island’s most popular

destination famous crystal ball, dime dances, and big bands

The island was opened to automobile traffic and the way of life on the island changed.

When the Tybrisa Pavillion burned down in 1967, tourism began it’s decline

The few historical landmarks still standing include the Tybee Island Lighthouse, Fort Screven and Fort Pulaski National Monument

Sense of Place• Community - The locals of Tybee Island recognize

tourism’s key role in their economy. These people are therefore the perfect hosts for visitors. They are welcoming and helpful to tourists.

• Environment - The wetlands give an opportunity for the locals and tourists to view the different ecosystems on the island. The beaches provide a place for the locals and tourists to relax and enjoy nature.

• Culture - Tybee Island is home to many local artists and local galleries can be found downtown.

• Downtown - The traditional downtown areas of Tybee are mixed-use, pedestrian friendly places for people to go for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Current Tourism InventoryAccommodationsAttractions –Lighthouse, Tybee Pier and Pavillion, Fort

Screven and Fort Pulaski Environmental Resources – beaches, wetlandsTransportation – no public transportation

Sustainable PracticesStrive to become Blue Flag Beach certified

From 1915 to 1925 Tybee Island lost over 600 feet of beach front because of dredging and Savannahs port.

Create a bus-trolley route throughout the island for locals and tourists.

Implement sustainable practices within the existing resorts and hotels

Create tax incentives for the adoption of green initiatives.

Provide information centers for locals and tourists on Tybee Island.

Blue Flag BeachesEnvironmental Education and Information Environmental Management

Water Quality Safety and Services

Public TransportationCurrently there is no public transportation on the island.We are going to create a comprehensive bus-trolley route

throughout the island to minimize the use of cars on the island.

A coach bus will be available for workers and tourists to travel to Savannah which is only 18 miles away.

Also, we will extend the bike path to the entire island which will allow visitors and locals to enjoy Tybee Island’s beauty.

Hotels and ResortsInstall energy efficient light blubsWater efficient shower heads, toilets, and sinksMore windows to provide more heating from the sunNew efficient air conditioners or a comparable

alternative for coolingGive information about how often guests need to

clean towels and sheets to minimize water use for towels and sheets

Buy locally for the restaurants in the hotelsBetter insulation for the entire hotelGreen Globe Certifications

Old Tybee and New Tybee

“Can’t think of a single redeeming thing to say about this dump. No refrigerator, no microwave, slow running drains…”

Community DevelopmentTo benefit the community and tourists, we will create

eco-tours by bike of the island including the wetlands, beaches, and historical attractions on the island.

Add environmental and sustainability information to the existing Visitor Center (located along the bus and bike routes).

Locals will be employed to run the eco-tours and the information centers.

Recycling and composting will be implemented on the entire island with designated waste areas run by locals.

Collaborative OrganizationsCommunity Development DepartmentBeach Task Force and Coastal Environmental

Organization (CEO) of Georgia – assistance in the satisfying of Blue Flag criteria

Tybee Island Planning and Zoning Committee Bus route, bike route, hotel renovations

Visitor Management PracticesIt is important that we preserve Tybee

Islands sense of place by limiting the number of tourists while making a profit.

Limit the bed base on the island by renovating resorts and hotels in a sustainable fashion rather than building new ones.

Limit the number of visitor cars allowed on the island.

Provide buses to the beach and information centers.

ConclusionIncrease the level of sustainabilityPreserve the sense of placeCreate public transportation optionsEasier access to SavannahPromote Tybee Island as an eco-friendly

destination