Selma-Henderson House photo used with permission RuralSWAlabama.org Billy Milstead
Tourism Development
Utilizing nature and heritage-based tourism is an important economic development strategy. UACED works with Alabama communities to assist them in showcasing their assets. With tourism playing a prominent part in the state’s overall economy, the Tourism Development Program brings together the many cultural, heritage, rural, public lands and arts constituencies under the economic development umbrella to unify efforts to promote natural, cultural and heritage tourism.
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In 2024, 29 million tourists to Alabama spent $23.9 billion for food, accommodations, travel, shopping and incidentals, according to the Alabama Department of Tourism
Source: Alabama Tourism Department Economic Impact Report 2024 |
UACED and Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports market West Alabama Tourism at Travel South Showcase
L-R Jasmine Rainey, Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports, Candace Johnson UA Center for Economic Development
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UACED was invited by Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports to participate in Travel South Showcase with them to market West Alabama to domestic tour operators in February of 2019.
Native American History as well as Civil Rights History continues to be at the top of client’s request – making West Alabama a prime location for their tours. Travel South Showcase is the premier Marketplace event in the South where over 600 tourism professionals gather for three days of intensive meetings with a goal of delivering more visitors, spending more time and more money in the South. This regional appointment-style marketplace offers the most targeted opportunity for tour operators and wholesalers to meet face to face with Southern Suppliers. |
