Tourism and Retiree Attraction

ECDI promotes tourism-based economic development by providing direction, information, and support for regional and statewide tourism and retiree attraction initiatives.

Travel and tourism comprise a significant economic engine for Alabama. In 2009, travelers spent more than $9 billion in the state. More than $552 million of state and local tax revenues came from travel and tourism activities. While tourism development efforts often focus on large communities, smaller communities can benefit from tourism by focusing on existing assets: their cultural, historical and natural resources. ECDI Tourism Specialist, Tom Chesnutt, is one of Alabama’s foremost tourism experts, specializing in agritourism, nature-based tourism, and heritage tourism. For more information about developing tourism in your area, please contact Tom Chesnutt: chesnjt@auburn.edu.

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

Last Updated: July 5, 2012