Tourism leaders, hospitality partners and elected officials from across the state of Alabama will converge in Tuscaloosa for the highly anticipated 2024 Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism, scheduled to take place at the Bryant Conference Center and Hotel Capstone from July 27-30, 2024.

The event, hosted by Visit Tuscaloosa and Alabama Travel Council, in partnership with the Alabama Tourism Department, is expected to draw approximately 250 attendees, including representatives from statewide attractions, hotels, convention and visitors bureaus, marketing firms, and other hospitality professionals. Programming will provide informational and educational sessions along with a platform for networking and collaboration on strategies to elevate tourism in the state.

Kelsey Rush, President and CEO of Visit Tuscaloosa, emphasized the significance of the conference, stating, “Tourism is not only vital to our economy but also serves as a vehicle for showcasing the unique culture, heritage and hospitality of Tuscaloosa. The Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism presents an exceptional opportunity for us to highlight our city’s attractions and amenities while fostering collaboration within the industry.”

The full agenda for the programming will be announced in coming weeks.

“We are thrilled to welcome our tourism peers from across the state to experience firsthand the warmth and hospitality for which Tuscaloosa is renowned,” added Rush.

In addition to the conference sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to partake in a special welcome reception at The Zone, experience the Bryant Museum, and will have the opportunity to discover the charm and allure of Tuscaloosa outside of conference hours. The conference also serves as an opportunity for the Alabama Association of DMO’s to raise money for in-state college scholarships, which will be awarded during the conference.

In 2023, the travel and tourism industry, which includes leisure and group visitors, was responsible for more than 10,400 jobs in Tuscaloosa County. The 2.8 million visitors also pumped a record-breaking $999.5 million into the local economy.