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Travel and tourism make up a significant economic engine for Alabama. In 2007, travelers spent more than $9.3 billion in the state, an increase of ten percent (10%) from 2006. More than $685 million of state and local tax revenues came from travel and tourism activities. While the focus is often on larger communities, smaller communities can benefit from tourism as well if they focus on resources that already exist — their cultural, historical and natural resources.

ECDI Tourism Specialist, Dr. Tom Chesnutt, is one of Alabama’s foremost tourism experts, specializing in agritourism program development. In this capacity, he provides leadership and direction to communities and tourism organizations throughout Alabama. Dr. Chesnutt is also the author of several tourism and retiree attraction publications, which are available through ECDI.

Please click on the links below to learn more about ECDI's tourism and retiree attraction programs and resources:

Programs and Opportunities / Publications / For More Information