Xselmabridge Scaled E1715298638377 — Alabama’s Black Belt is home to many cultural and historical sites, including the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. (Photo courtesy of Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association)

Over the last four years, the economic impact of the Black Belt has been felt more and more statewide. A new report commissioned by the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association gave details on exactly how much impact tourism has had and how it is benefitting the state.

According to the report, tourism in the 23 counties that make up the Black Belt generated an economic impact of $3.8 billion and accounted for around 45,500 jobs in 2023.

“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.”
~ Gov. Kay Ivey

Keep reading to find out more from the report including the top reasons people visit + more.

How region’s tourism impacts the state

Xcanoeingcrop — Alabama’s Black Belt is home to a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, including kayaking on Alabama’s abundance waterways. (Photo courtesy of Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association)

The report was done by Dr. Keivan Deravi of Montgomery-based Economics Research Services and is titled “The Economic Impact of Tourism in Alabama’s Black Belt Region.”

The economic impact has reportedly doubled since 2020, growing from roughly $1.9 million during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to $3.8 billion this past year. Some of the other numbers emphasizing that growth included:

$1.25 billion in payroll, 8% increase from 2022
45,500 Alabama jobs in 2023, 5% increase from 2022
$219 million in taxes received from Black Belt tourism
$70 million in contributions to Alabama Education Trust Fund and the General Fund

One of the biggest areas bringing in that money is hunting and fishing. The report said those two activities account for $1.7 billion in annual economic impact.

“Alabama’s Black Belt attracts visitors for a wide variety of reasons, led by outdoor recreational activities like hunting, fishing, birding, hiking and camping. 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.”
~ Pam Swanner, director of the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association

Xtakeaimrhetthollon2 — Hunting and fishing accounts for $1.7 billion in annual economic impact in the 23-county Black Belt. (Photo courtesy of Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association)

The impact on the Black Belt

The Black Belt is made up of 23 counties including Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox.

The report shows all 23 Black Belt counties have experienced tourism growth since 2020.

“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. 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.”
~ Greenville Mayor Dexter McLendon

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