Savannah Says No to Vacation Rental Controversy and Celebrates its Heritage as the Oldest City of Vacation Rentals in America!

SAVANNAH, Ga., July 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Controversy surrounds the vacation rental industry, but most people have no idea that they are a very old tradition. And the one place that can lay claim to the title "Oldest Vacation Rental City in America" is Savannah, Georgia!

For over a century, Savannah's vacation rental guests have ranged from celebrities, teachers and families, to project managers, doctors and billionaires.

"Savannah's claim as the Oldest City of Vacation Rentals comes from 1908 when the City Council asked Savannahians to open their homes to guests for the First American Grand Prix," says Tanya A. Bailey, author of The First American Grand Prix and owner of two vacation rentals with her company J.T. Martaneli Inc. which also owns The Great Savannah Races Museum. "It's a centuries-long Southern tradition."

Savannah has its share of naysayers, too. "There are a tiny number of residents who oppose vacation rentals, but they tend to be people who are misguided in their perceptions and miss the benefits vacation rentals offer, like reducing parking strain, trash, and noise. Many have no idea how Savannah looked twenty years ago or don't want to acknowledge that the tradition has been around a lot longer than they have and brings tens of millions of dollars into the local economy," says Bailey. "Savannah's current City Council grapples with the controversy, but it is encouraging that they can take a different approach and ensure the heritage and positives are protected. Vacation rentals are one of Savannah's hottest trends as the city grows, but like most trends, the demand will likely fade or change over time."

More information on Savannah's travel and racing history can be found in the book: The First American Grand Prix by Tanya A. Bailey available at www.amazon.com and www.bn.com or by visiting the website for The Great Savannah Races Museum at www.greatsavannahraces.com or emailing Bailey at [email protected].

Contact:
Tanya A. Bailey
Author
The First American Grand Prix
[email protected]

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SOURCE Great Savannah Races Museum