The Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) celebrated a historic milestone during National Travel & Tourism Week, announcing that tourism in Jefferson County generated a record-breaking $2.57 billion in economic impact in 2024.
The announcement was made during the GBCVB’s annual luncheon, where leadership highlighted the growing strength of Birmingham’s tourism sector. According to the bureau, last year’s tourism activity supported more than 51,000 jobs and generated $302 million in tax revenue for the community. Additionally, Birmingham welcomed over 4 million overnight visitors—the highest number recorded since 2017.
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As part of the celebration, the GBCVB launched a new Tourism Hall of Fame to recognize individuals who have made lasting contributions to the region’s tourism development. Alabama State Senator Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills) was named the inaugural inductee for his decades-long service and advocacy.
GBCVB President and CEO John Oros and Gene Hallman, CEO of Executive Sports for the bureau, praised Waggoner for his foundational role in the area’s tourism infrastructure. The pair credited him with championing the legislation that established the Convention and Visitors Bureau during his time in the Alabama House of Representatives in 1969. Waggoner has remained active with the organization ever since, serving on the board since 1993 and twice as board chair. In addition to his work with the GBCVB, he was recognized for helping bring major sporting events to the city, playing a key role in the development of UAB, and contributing to the renovations of the BJCC and Protective Stadium.
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Waggoner expressed gratitude for the honor and reflected on his longtime involvement with the bureau. He described the board as one of his most meaningful affiliations and said he looked forward to each monthly board meeting. He added that the Hall of Fame award would be displayed prominently in his Montgomery office and eventually in his home, thanking the organization on behalf of his family.
The event also marked a moment of transition, as GBCVB CEO John Oros was honored for his decade of leadership ahead of his retirement later this year.
With these achievements and recognitions, the GBCVB underscored its vision for elevating the region’s tourism impact while honoring the individuals who laid the groundwork for its ongoing success.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
