Alabama Beaches Set Record Tourism Numbers

0:00Hey, it's Cory with Birmingham News Today, your city, your news, every day. Alabama's beaches are powering record tourism numbers, with visitors spinning on lodging hitting $923 million in $20.25, up from $8.71 million the year before. That's more than double what it was a decade ago, and retail sales climbed to $1.42 billion. The coastal area now generates over 43% of the state's lodging taxes. Officials remain upbeat even with rising fuel prices, noting steady spring and fall visits alongside summer peaks. They're pushing the region as a year-round spot, fueled by new hotels like the $141 million Embassy Suites Resort. A big music festival won't return next year, but leaders say it won't derail the momentum. This point to the pandemic's lasting effects, drawing new crowds to open-air beaches when travel reopened. Most visitors drive, with 31 million people within a nine-hour radius and gas hikes, making

1:02flights less appealing for families. A new airport is already nearing 150,000 passengers in its first year. Plans are advancing for a $58-62 million sports complex on over 100 acres, featuring fields for baseball, soccer, and more plus walking trails. This aims to boost sports tourism and attract multi-generational groups year-round. Through April, numbers are up slightly, and forecasts is expected to top last year's 8.4 million visitors by year's end.