The Black Belt region, which includes 23 counties in central and southern Alabama, has long been vilified by stories of poverty, environmental hazards, limited economic opportunities and health care.
But this vast rural area is also increasingly attractive as a hunting and fishing retreat, and its historical and cultural Its charm is said to be attracting tourists. An organization dedicated to promoting outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities within the region.
The report, titled “Economic Impact of Tourism in Alabama’s Black Belt Region,” shows the region will generate an annual economic impact of $3.8 billion and create 45,500 jobs in 2023. . Growth in 2023 is 9% higher than forecast for 2022.
Hunting and fishing are the region’s most influential attractions, contributing $1.7 billion, or 45% of the total economic impact of tourism within the Black Belt region.
The report was authored by Kayvan Delavi of Montgomery-based Economics Research Services.
“Tourism is a critical component to the growth of Alabama’s economy,” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said in a statement. “Growing up in the heart of Wilcox County’s Black Belt, I was inspired by what our region had to offer, from outdoor recreation like hunting and fishing to world-changing cultural events, talented artisans and craftspeople, and historic sites. I understand there is a lot going on, and I look forward to seeing the tourism industry grow in the Black Belt region.”
Tourism growth in the Black Belt is following a similar path to the state as a whole, with tourism spending continuing to increase from $22.4 billion in 2022 to $23.5 billion in 2023. Alabama saw 28.8 million tourists, up from 28.6 million in 2022, according to the annual report released by the state’s tourism bureau.
All 23 Black Belt counties have experienced tourism growth since the pandemic began in 2020, according to Delavi’s report.
“Those of us who live in the Black Belt have known for years the rich recreational and cultural activities available here, 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. ”
The Black Belt includes 23 counties: Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clark, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, and Pickens. , Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox.
Montgomery County, home to the largest city in the Black Belt region, had the largest annual economic impact of $1.2 billion, accounting for 32% of the region’s tourism activity. Tuscaloosa County had an impact of $999.6 million, followed by Lee County with $806 million.
