COLBERT COUNTY–Tourism pumped $62 million into Colbert County’s economy in 2018 through the money travelers spent for hotels, food, shopping and transportation, according to a report released Monday by the Alabama Tourism Department.
The report, which was compiled for the state agency by Montgomery economist Dr. Keivan Deravi, found that spending by travelers in Colbert County increased by 15.8 percent in 2018. Tourism in the county was responsible for 889 jobs in 2018, Deravi, reported.
Susann Hamlin, President and CEO of Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau, said smart marketing by the tourism industry has boosted the number of travelers coming to The Shoals.
Hamlin said travelers from around the world come to Colbert County to visit attractions, attend festivals and special events and to enjoy the outdoors by fishing, hiking, off-road vehicle riding, kayaking and boating.
Colbert County is also a popular destination for visitors traveling in organized groups. “Both domestic and foreign group tours grew significantly in 2018 with over 40 tour groups coming to the area through the Colbert County Tourism Office.”
She noted that the Helen Keller Home and “The Miracle Worker” play experienced record attendance last year as did the music studios and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
In addition, many events, including April walking tours in Sheffield and Tuscumbia, the Helen Keller Festival, W. C. Handy Music Festival, OkaKapassa – The Return to Coldwater – Festival, Saddle Up for St. Jude Trail Ride, trolley tours, and the Christmas and holiday festivals, reported increased attendance in 2018, Hamlin said. “Having a plethora of events throughout the year grows hotel stays and brings in more taxes to our area. We are extremely pleased with the increase in traveler spending.”
The Alabama travel industry grew by more than $1 billion in 2018 to a record of $15.5 billion in expenditures, and increased jobs by 11,984 to some 198,890 employees, Gov. Kay Ivey said. She noted that the industry grew by 8.5% and attracted more than 1 million additional visitors to top 27 million guests for the first time.
The tourism industry generates millions of dollars for state and local government. The hospitality industry was responsible for $681 million in state taxes and an additional $273 million in local revenue for a total of $954 million, an increase of 8.5% percent over the previous year, according to the study. Some $76 million was generated in state lodgings taxes, of which 75 percent benefits the State General Fund.
Deravi says that without those taxes, each household in Alabama would have had to pay $507 in additional taxes to maintain current service levels.
The Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau is located at 719 U.S. Hwy 72, in Tuscumbia. It is the official marketing organization for Colbert County and the attractions, lodging properties, and the events held the county. For details of places to see and things to do in Colbert County, visit www.colbertcountytourism.org, call (256) 383-0783 or email colberttourism@comcast.net.
