Alabama tourism weathered pandemic higher than most states

April 24, 2021 Updated: April 24, 2021 10 a.m.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Spending on tourists in Alabama declined 20% last year at the height of pandemic lockdowns and business closings, but the state outperformed most during the coronavirus crisis.

An Alabama tourism department statement said a travel advisory firm saw a 42% decrease in travel expenses nationwide, but Alabama’s decline wasn’t as bad as spending in Baldwin County, which is home to the beach towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, had been robust.

The state beaches, which have historically been Alabama’s most popular tourist attraction, closed at the start of the pandemic but reopened at the start of the summer travel season.

“Baldwin County’s success is all the more remarkable when you consider that the beaches were closed for six weeks in the spring and a week in the fall due to a hurricane,” said Judy Ryals, the agency’s chief executive officer.

Visitors spent more than $ 13 billion on housing, travel, food, shopping, and other things in the state in 2020. Tourism generated more than $ 18 billion in 2019 before the pandemic hit the state economy.