Image source: Wikimedia Commons/Chris Watson
When you think of the foundations of Alabama’s economy, agriculture and auto manufacturing might come to mind, but as we enter June and summer approaches, another driver of Alabama’s economy is tourism.
Whether it’s the Gulf of Mexico, rivers and lakes, or the southernmost hills of the Appalachian Mountains, few states have the terrain diversity that Alabama offers outdoor enthusiasts.
Alabama’s tourism industry generated approximately $23.5 billion in revenue in 2023. Four of the past five years saw an increase of $1 billion due to increased tourism. What generated the record revenue? An estimate is that approximately 28 million tourists came to enjoy Alabama’s attractions.
Of course, the hot weather is drawing even more visitors from across the country to Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Dauphin Island, and Governor Kay Ivey’s announcement of the purchase of the Folly Beach Express Bridge, eliminating tolls and building a new bridge, will reduce traffic congestion, improve access to the bay and make trips to the beach even easier.
There’s also a renewed emphasis on improving Alabama’s trails, which draw hikers to some of the most diverse terrain in the country: improved signage, maintenance and expansion of current off-road trails are strengthening the state’s reputation as a backcountry mecca.
Add in hunting, fishing, golf and agricultural tourism and 2024 is expected to see record numbers of domestic and international visitors enjoying all Alabama has to offer.
So when people start coming to Alabama, it brings in revenue for state government and businesses, which continues to benefit the state’s residents.
Paul DeMarco is a former Alabama Congressman and can be found on X’s old Twitter account @Paul_DeMarco.
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