That is an opinion piece.
When the world was a large number, Alabama confirmed plain frequent sense. Our vacationers are proof optimistic of that.
During the last two years, vacationers and vacationers have flocked to Alabama to flee pointless restrictions and mandates. Additionally they traveled right here in file numbers as a result of Alabama has one thing for everybody.
From our white sandy seashores on the Gulf Coast to the river valleys throughout the state to vibrant cultures and top-ranked cities, we remained open, welcoming and selling normalcy.
Google searches, alone, proved Alabama was one of many county’s most desired getaways. Extra individuals looked for details about our state than they did different vacationer scorching spots, like California, Hawaii and New York. Alabama journey data jumped from 30th place to fourth among the many 50 states.
Different states and the nationwide tourism business suffered a drop of 45%. However right here in Alabama, we didn’t simply get well; we thrived. In 2021, 26% extra vacationers vacationed in Alabama and spent a file quantity of just about $20 billion.
It’s no secret that financial development is a precedence of mine, and that features increasing Alabama tourism. Throughout my tenure, we have now seen the tourism business virtually double in income. Revenues went from $10.7 billion in 2012 to $19.7 billion in 2021. Now, this development could possibly be attributed to new tourism sights and good commercial, or the reality of the matter: Alabama has it occurring.
Much more importantly, vacationers create good-paying jobs. Tourism helped fund 227,334 jobs final 12 months. With that many roles and $6.8 billion in payroll, the Alabama tourism business is, little doubt, essential to the general well being of Alabama’s financial system.
It doesn’t cease right here.
Alabamians simply voted to offer extra funding for state parks and public historic areas. This constitutional modification will assist enhance, renovate, assemble and preserve our 22 state parks which embody 48,000 acres of infinite alternatives to fish, camp, canoe, hike and benefit from the nice outdoor.
We’re conserving Alabama the gorgeous, stunning.
Tourism down on the Gulf Coast is a money-making machine and the remainder of Alabama isn’t far behind. You’ll be able to retrace the steps of the Civil Rights Motion, uncover outer house in Huntsville on the U.S. House and Rocket Middle, hike the beginning of the Appalachian vary at Pinhoti Path or spend a weekend on the lake at considered one of my favourite Alabama locations, Lake Jordan.
Whether or not you’re a first-time vacationer, a frequent customer or a neighborhood, I invite you and your loved ones to discover all that Alabama has to supply this summer season.
Gov. Kay Ivey is the 54th and incumbent governor of Alabama.