Alabama's Black Belt region produces $3.8 billion in annual economic impact for 2023

A recent report revealed that Alabama’s Black Belt Region had a $3.8 billion statewide economic impact for 2023. That’s a $1.9 billion increase from 2020 just a few short years ago.

Additionally, tourism in the area reportedly created an estimated 45,500 jobs during the same time frame.

Pam Swanner, Director of the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association, explained why the region is so popular for so many.

“Alabama’s Black Belt attracts visitors for a wide variety of reasons, led by outdoor recreational activities like hunting, fishing, birding, hiking and camping,” said Swanner. “The Black Belt is also blessed with cultural events and festivals, such as the Airing of the Quilts in Gee’s Bend, as well as many historical landmarks. Throw in a lively art and food scene, and it’s easy to see why so many people are traveling our scenic back roads year-round.”

“This report clearly shows that every county in the Black Belt benefits from tourism, and it also shows the positive impact those tourism dollars have on our state budgets.”

“Our organization is dedicated to highlighting outdoor recreational opportunities and working together with our regional partners in providing visitors an immersive experience in our cultural heritage. Our efforts are bearing fruit, and that’s incredibly gratifying.”

Governor Kay Ivey, a native of the area, knows its value firsthand.

“Tourism is a key factor in Alabama’s growing economy,” Ivey said. “Having grown up in the heart of the Black Belt in Wilcox County, I understand this region has so much to offer – from outdoor recreation like hunting and fishing to world changing cultural events, talented artisans and crafters and historic sites.”

“I’m excited to see the growth of the tourism industry in the Black Belt.”

Greenville Mayor, Dexter McLendon, a member of the ALBBAA Board of Directors, said the region has generated world wide attention.

“Those of us who live in the Black Belt have long recognized the bountiful recreational and cultural activities available here, and it’s clear people from all over the country and all over the globe have now noticed,” said McLendon. “I know I’ve seen people visiting Greenville from so many different places that it’s hard to remember them all, and this report shows the immense economic benefits that tourism is having for our entire region.”

“Tourism is a crucial part of the local economy in all 23 Black Belt counties.”

The report, titled “The Economic Impact of Tourism in Alabama’s Black Belt Region,” was produced by Dr. Keivan Deravi of Montgomery-based Economics Research Services, Inc. A few of other key findings from the report include:

Direct and indirect payroll in 2023 reached $1.25 billion, representing a growth rate of 8% from 2022.
Alabama’s state and local governments received $219 million in taxes from Black Belt tourism.
Hunting and fishing accounts for $1.7 billion in annual economic impact, representing nearly half of all tourism spending in the Black Belt.
Tourism pumped $750 million into rural counties’ economies in 2023.
Black Belt tourism accounts for $70 million in contributions to the Alabama Education Trust Fund and the General Fund.

The Black Belt includes the following 23 counties: Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.