Alabama’s tourism industry revenue sets all-time record in 2021 Gov. Kay Ivey announced today that recent tourists spending has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, and rose to a record of almost $20 billion in fiscal year 2021. The revenue exceeded the previous record year of $16.7 billion by some 17 percent. Officials referenced the Alabama Tourism […]
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Auburn honors Sentell’s career achievements
Auburn University honored Alabama tourism director Lee Sentell for his career achievements with a major award during a sold-out gala that raised more than $500,000 to benefit the school’s hospitality management program. Dean Susan Hubbard noted that under Sentell’s leadership the state’s annual tourism revenue has grown from $6 billion to some $20 billion, with the state ranking […]
Hospitality training for frontline hospitality workers in the Black Belt
Through a grant provided by the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation & Development Councils in partnership with Alabama Black Belt Adventures and Experience, LLC, The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development is pleased to invite frontline hospitality workers to a free two-hour, in-person hospitality training workshop. What: Four-Course Hospitality Training (in person) When: See schedule below […]
Welcome Centers host tourism partners during month of May 2022
The Alabama Tourism Department-Welcome Center Program will be welcoming guests throughout the state to increase the awareness of the economic, social and cultural impact that tourism has on the local, regional and state-wide communities. We invite our tourism partners to participate at each Center from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. (central standard time) by bringing special promotions, […]
Destination Optimization Program
The Alabama Tourism Department (ATD) held a series of 7 educational seminars across the state in February 2022. The seminars featured best practices for DMOs and attractions, hotels, and other tourism points of interest in connection with various tourism websites including www.alabama.travel and Google. Claire Barrentine or Bill Dinan of Intermark Group presented on best […]
Destination Optimization Seminars
FREE EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS COMING TO YOUR AREA – FEB 2022 The Alabama Tourism Department is conducting seminars across the state to assist tourism organizations and their local tourist attractions and business improve the information visitors are seeing on public websites. These Destination Optimization seminars are aimed at improving the quality of a local community’s […]
2021 and 2022 Welcome Center Retreat dates and locations set
The Alabama Tourism Department proudly announces the Alabama Welcome Center Retreat Dates and Locations for 2021 and 2022. Selma will host Oct. 24-26, 2021, and Daphne/Fairhope/Eastern Shores will host Oct. 23-25, 2022. The Alabama Welcome Center Retreat allows the Alabama tourism industry the opportunity to showcase our communities to the devoted staff of the Alabama […]
The Official U.S. Civil Rights Trail Book Launches, Guiding Deeper Travel Experiences
New cultural travel book invites readers to share the journey of the civil rights movement (ATLANTA, Ga.) – Churches, schools, homes and landmarks where Black Americans fought for fundamental freedoms are now the centerpiece of The Official U.S. Civil Rights Trail companion book, which was unveiled today in Atlanta at the Martin Luther King Jr. […]