FLORENCE-The Florence-Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has
received the results of the 2023 Alabama Tourism Economic Impact Report issued by the
Alabama Tourism Department.
Lauderdale County had a record-breaking year in 2023 with $333,833,494.00 in travel-related
expenditures. This is a 3.5% rate of growth over 2022. Lauderdale County employs 3,655 full-
time, part-time and seasonal employees, with over 5,000 in the tourism workforce for the two-
county (Shoals) area. Moreover, travel-related earnings grew by 3.6%.
Travel-related expenditures are comprised of several categories including lodging facilities,
eating and drinking establishments, general retail, entertainment, public transportation and auto
transportation.
Rob Carnegie, president & CEO, with the Florence-Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
said, “2023 was another strong year with 9 record months of lodging tax revenue. Breaking
$300 million last year was a big milestone for us and now we’re setting our sights on $400
million.”
Additionally, the report breaks down employment figures, lodging tax, travel-related earnings
and expenditures by region. It’s estimated that 28.8 million people visited Alabama in 2023,
spending $23.5 billion. Over $1.4 billion in state and local tax revenues were generated by travel
and tourism activities. Without those taxes, each Alabama household would pay an additional
$707 in additional taxes each year.
Carnegie said the CVB launched a $60,000 digital ad campaign in 2023 and it resulted in over
$2.1 million dollars in spending. A $36 to $1 return on ad spend. “I am incredibly grateful for a
team that works extremely hard, day in and day out, to attract visitors to our area. That with the
support of an outstanding board of directors who passionately support the mission and vision of
our organization. Their keen insight of our industry keeps us moving forward year over year.”
American Cruise Lines will stop 26 times over 2024. Billy Reid’s Shindig and Wine Fest returns
in 2024 along with the opening of the newly renovated Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa,
formerly the Marriott Shoals.
For more information on the Florence-Lauderdale CVB, contact us at (256) 740-4141 or (256) 263-6225.
Robert Carnegie/President and CEO Florence-Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau
