According to a new report commissioned by the Alabama Black Belt Adventure Association (ALBBAA), tourism in Alabama’s 23-county Black Belt region will generate an annual economic impact of $3.8 billion in 2023, with approximately 45,500 It is said to have created employment for people.
The economic impact of tourism in Black Belt regions nearly doubled from 2020 to 2023, up from $1.9 billion in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said, “Tourism is a critical component to the growth of Alabama’s economy.” “Growing up in the heart of Wilcox County’s Black Belt, I was inspired by the many things this region has to offer, from outdoor recreation like hunting and fishing to world-changing cultural events, talented artisans and craftspeople, and historic sites. We understand that and we look forward to seeing the tourism industry grow in the Black Belt region.”
Alabama’s Black Belt offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, including kayaking on its rich waterways. (Alabama Black Belt Adventure Association)
The report, titled “The Economic Impact of Tourism in Alabama’s Black Belt Region,” was authored by Dr. Kayvan Delavi of the Montgomery-based Economic Research Service. Highlights of the growing economic impact of tourism on Alabama’s Black Belt from 2020 to 2023 include the following key findings:
Black Belt tourism created 45,500 direct and indirect jobs in Alabama in 2023, an increase of approximately 5% compared to 2022. Direct and indirect payroll reached $1.25 billion in 2023, an 8% growth rate from 2022. It received $219 million in tax dollars from the state of Alabama and local government Black Belt Tourism. Hunting and fishing account for $1.7 billion in annual economic impact and nearly half of Black Belt’s tourism spending. Tourism injected $750 million into the local county economy in 2023. $70 million contribution to the Black Belt Tourism Account Alabama Education Trust Fund and General Fund.
“Black Belt of Alabama is a tourist destination for many reasons, including outdoor recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, birding, hiking, and camping,” said Pam Swanner, director of the Alabama Black Belt Adventure Association (ALBBAA). “It’s attracting customers,” he said. “Black Belt is also blessed with cultural events and festivals, such as the Quilt Airing at Gee’s Bend, and many historic buildings. Given its vibrant arts and food scene, why do so many… It’s easy to see why people travel the beautiful back roads all year round.”
Alabama’s Black Belt is home to many cultural and historic sites, including Selma’s Edmund Pettus Bridge. (Alabama Black Belt Adventure Association)
All 23 Black Belt counties have experienced tourism growth since 2020, according to the report.
“Those of us who live in the Black Belt have known for years that we have access to a wealth of recreational and cultural activities, and people across the country and around the world are now clearly aware of it,” Greenville said. Mayor Dexter McClendon said. ALBBAA Board of Directors. “We’ve seen people visit Greenville from so many different places that it’s hard to remember them all. This report shows that tourism brings tremendous economic benefits to the entire region. ”
“This report clearly shows that every county in the Black Belt region benefits from tourism, and also shows that tourism dollars have a positive impact on state budgets. “We’re working hard,” Swanner said. “Our organization is dedicated to highlighting outdoor recreational opportunities and collaborating with community partners to provide visitors with an immersive experience of cultural heritage. It’s very gratifying.”
Black belts are Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clark, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Green, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, Will. Cox County.
