Editor’s Note: This is an opinion column.
By Paul DeMarco
Now that the summer months are here, tourists flock to Alabama for its many outdoor attractions. In addition, families are more than ready to travel after two years of suffering through the pandemic.
Whether it is the state’s sandy white beaches, 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 ten years as Alabama has become a hot spot for travelers.
The numbers are staggering as Alabama served host to some 28 million visitors in 2021.
The state is already an outdoor mecca for hunters and those who want to fish in Alabama’s many lakes and rivers. 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 reign king in our state, but tourism significantly contributes to the state economy.
With tourism being almost 10 percent 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.