TUSCUMBIA – According to a recently released report by the Alabama Tourism Department (ATD),
visitors to Colbert County in 2022 made a significant economic impact by spending over $113 million
during their visits. The report, titled “Alabama Tourism Industry Economic Impact 2022,” was
meticulously compiled using a model developed by esteemed economist Dr. Keivan Deravi from Auburn
University in Montgomery.
The primary objective of the study was to assess the economic influence of the travel and tourism sector
in Alabama for the year 2022. It encompassed a wide range of vital information, including data on job
creation within the tourism industry, spending and revenue statistics, as well as the most frequently
visited counties in the state. Dr. Deravi’s comprehensive model extensively analyzed the tax revenues
collected by the state, providing an annual travel economic impact study.
Within Colbert County specifically, the report highlights the notable growth in travel-related
expenditures. In 2022, the total expenditures associated with travel reached an impressive $113,680,947
million, a substantial increase from the $71,839,333 recorded in 2020 and a 12% increase from the
$101,534,310 in 2021. Moreover, the annual state lodging tax experienced a remarkable 58.23% surge,
rising from $353,899 in 2020 to $560,022 in 2022. These figures demonstrate the significant boost in
tourism-related economic activity within the county.
Furthermore, the report indicates that the tourism industry provided employment opportunities to
1,512 individuals, both directly and indirectly, in 2022. This represents a nearly 5% increase compared to
the previous year, highlighting the sector’s positive impact on job creation and economic growth in the
region.
Overall, the findings of this report emphasize the substantial economic benefits that tourism brings to Colbert County. The increased expenditures, earnings, and employment opportunities reflect the
county’s attractiveness as a destination and its ability to capitalize on the travel and tourism industry’s
potential for economic prosperity.
According to Susann Hamlin, President of the Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau, the
reason for continued growth in economic impact from tourism in Colbert County is because the county
has such an awesome inventory of tourist attractions. “We have enough right here in Colbert County to
bring people in to a destination. The mix of history and heritage, varied outdoor attractions, Muscle
Shoals’ music and spectacular festivals and events provide plenty to see and do, all within a close
geographic area,” Hamlin said. Colbert County has continued to grow its tourism impact substantially
over the past five years to almost double the numbers since 2018.
Travelers to the state of Alabama in 2022 spent over $22.4 billion, representing an increase of 13.8%
over 2021 spending. For every $1 in Alabama’s travel-related expenditures, the state retains a total of
$0.33. In 2022, $1.3 billion of state and local tax revenues were generated by travel and tourism
activities.
The national tourism industry suffered a drop of 45% during 2020, the peak year of the COVID pandemic.
Colbert County, on the other hand, increased its annual state lodging taxes by 3.72% from $341,199 in
2019 to $353,899 in 2021.
It is noteworthy to observe the consistent upward trend in Colbert County’s annual state lodging taxes
over the past five years. The figures indicate a progressive growth in revenue generated from this source.
Specifically, in 2018, Colbert County recorded $306,520 in state lodging taxes, which increased to
$341,199 in 2019, $353,899 in 2020, and $500,185 in 2021.
By comparing the data between 2022 and 2021, it becomes evident that Colbert County experienced a
substantial increase in state lodging taxes. The figures demonstrate a growth of nearly 12% during this
period, signifying the county’s ability to attract more visitors or generate increased revenue from lodging
accommodations. This positive trend is indicative of the county’s success in cultivating its tourism
industry or enhancing its appeal as a destination for travelers, resulting in the generation of higher tax
revenues from lodging establishments.
For the full report, please visit the official link: https://tourism.alabama.gov/app/uploads/2022-
Economic-Impact-Report-FINAL.pdf. To discover exciting attractions and activities in Colbert County, visit
www.colbertcountytourism.org or follow us on social media @ColbertTourism.
Media Release/Maryanne Floyd/Director of Communications/Colbert County Tourism & Convention Bureau
