Tourism Booms In Baldwin, Mobile Counties

AL.com reported that, of Alabama’s $7.75 billion in travel-related earnings in 2023, 44.1% came from Mobile and Baldwin counties. That is an increase from 39.9% of the overall travel-related earnings before the pandemic, in 2019. Baldwin County led the state, garnering 29% of visitors to Alabama, up from pre-pandemic levels of 23%. Approximately 23% of those visitors are going to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. The article notes that Carnival Cruise Line’s restoration of services in Mobile between October and May helps draw tourists to the city’s hotels during slower months, particularly during the fall. David Clark, president and CEO of Visit Mobile, said the goal is for Mobile to reach 5 million annual visitors by 2027, a 47% increase in travelers within the next three years. Clark said the addition of a new airport close to Downtown Mobile and replacement of its Civic Center will help. Statewide, this was the 13th consecutive year, excluding 2020, with record-breaking annual expenditures by visitors.