Alabama tourism continues to be major economic impact for state
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send your username and password to you.
Eye on Politics
Paul DeMarco
Now that the summer months are here, tourists flock to Alabama for its many outdoor attractions. Families are more than ready to travel after two years of suffering through the pandemic.
Whether it is the state’s sandy white beaches, its lakes or mountains, the economic impact on the state was $19.7 billion in 2021.
And that is double the amount generated over the past 10 years as Alabama has become a hot spot for travelers.
The numbers are staggering as Alabama served host to some 28 million visitors during 2021.
The state already is an outdoor mecca for hunters and those that want to fish in the many lakes and rivers in Alabama. Now hikers are starting to discover the hundreds of trails throughout the state, as well.
In addition, tourism in 2021 generated some $1.1 billion in state and local taxes and support. This revenue has softened the blow to the state through the financial problems brought on by the pandemic.
Alabama agriculture and manufacturing still rein king in our state, but tourism is a major contributor to the state economy.
With tourism being almost 10% of the Alabama gross domestic product, the state looks to continue to thrive in the future.
Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives and can be followed on Twitter @Paul_DeMarco.