Tourism means big dollars

No smoke stacks puff out big clouds of smoke. No time clocks line the walls for employees to use. But make no mistake about it - tourism is big business for Alabama, for the Wiregrass, for Dothan.

“In 2008, 22 million visitors came to Alabama,” said Bob Hendrix, executive director of the Dothan Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, during the organization’s annual meeting last week at Holiday Inn South. “Those visitors spent $9.6 billion in Alabama, which is a 3-percent increase from the previous year. Those visitors generated $702,000,000 in tax revenue.

“On top of that, tourism accounted for 170,000 jobs last year. It’s easy to see, tourism is a very large industry.”

Even with the economy in recession, Hendrix says visitors will still come. They will just shop smarter and find the best deals available.

“The smart shoppers are comparing rates,” Hendrix said.

Hendrix says the Dothan market has done a good job in tapping into the leisure market.

“People still live their lives through their children’s sports activities,” Hendrix noted. “We were on the cutting edge of tennis (Westgate Tennis Center and the partnership with women’s professional tennis). We’re looking at other areas as well.”

Staying ahead of the game is crucial, Hendrix added.

“Baby Boomers are selfish,” Hendrix said. “But the group that followed them, the Gen X, are more hands-on and involved with their children’s sports. They play all year long. To meet that need, we have established the best amateur sports facilities in the state.“

Susan Robertson, chair of the board of directors for the DACVB, noted 2008 was a good year for the Dothan community, and, she says, with diligence, 2009 could be as good or better.

“In 2008, tourism, through conventions, business and sports, brought in $19 million,” Ms. Robertson said. “The combined impact of that was in excess of $29 million. The bureau had a good year last year, despite the economy. That is a result of the hard work of our bureau. The bureau is working diligently to see that 2009 is as successful or more so.

“A healthy economy is essential to the growth of our community.”

This year has been designated as “The Year of History” by the Alabama Department of Tourism. In 2010, Alabama will celebrate “Small Towns and Downtowns.”

Two members of the Department of Tourism staff, Brian Jones and Marilyn Stamps, were on hand to help the DACVB celebrate another successful year in tourism.

Ms. Stamps, public information manager and a regional director, provided insight into the activities promoting “The Year of History” in Alabama.

“We have a lot of opportunities to spread the word about Alabama,” said Ms. Stamps, who has spent 22 years in the tourism business. “I’m very passionate about history. A lot has gone on in Alabama. Through ‘The Year of History’ we get to share our history, to tell our stories.

“Our job is to get people to come back to Alabama. There is something special about the people here. We’ve learned how to work together. That is what ‘The Year of Alabama History’ is all about.”

She also challenged those in attendance to share the story of Alabama.

“You leave a legacy,” Ms. Stamps continued. “Tell your people in your community and outside of your community that we have something to tell others. We have a story to tell. We have grown through experience, through living, through loving each other. Let people know you have wonderful music, a wonderful heritage.

“We are here to help you promote and tell the world about Dothan.”

Included in the annual meeting was the presentation of five special awards. Brian Petty of Sleep Inn received the Employee Service Award. Stacey Harrison and Mike McCann of Moe’s accepted the Off the Menu Award (for restaurants). Pat Kemp was named Diplomat of the Year. Jean Woodham and Sue Register accepted the Attraction of the Year Award for the Wiregrass Festival of Murals.

Sandy Fischer-Bullard, who spent 17 years in tourism in Dothan, was named the Bob Miller Tourism Person of the Year.