The North Alabama tourism and travel industry achieved a record $2.92 billion economic impact on the region in 2018 according a study released recently by the Alabama Tourism Department. The figure of $2,926,299,074 represents an 8.5% growth over 2017’s $2,696,922,502. “We’re seeing dramatic increases in all categories of the industry across the region,” said Tami Reist, AMLA President and CEO. …

Nominations for the 2019 PEAK Awards is now open. Deadline for entry into the 2019 Alabama Mountain Lakes PEAK Awards is Monday, July 29, 2019. There will be nine awards presented at the AMLA Annual Meeting September 26, 2019 at the Cook Museum of Natural Science, Decatur. MAIL OR FAX NOMINATION FORMS TO: Tourism Awards Committee Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist …

More than 849,981 people visited the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville last year, ranking it first among state attractions that charge admission, state tourism officials said. The Birmingham Zoo ranked second with 543,090 and the Huntsville Botanical Garden was third with 353,841. Barber Vintage Motorsports Park in Birmingham placed fourth with 352,000 and the McWane Science Center in …

J.P. Parsons, Vice President – Destination Marketing of the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce, has announced his retirement. Parsons has been at the Chamber of Commerce for more than 16 years. His official retirement date will be March 29, 2019. In his announcement, Parsons wrote, “On March 29, 2019, I will complete 16 years and 3 months with the Greater …

Sandra Killen Burroughs said much of what she’s done in her career so far has prepared her to take on her new role as the executive director of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. The announcement that the mayor of Lexington and director of membership recruitment and legislative liaison for the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourism Association was the choice of …

AMLA ANNOUNCES FREE SEMINAR SET FOR MAY 7 “The Strategic Digital Campaign Development Process” AMLA is making available to its members a free seminar focusing on digital marketing strategies. The event will take place May 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Jackson Center, 6001 Moquin Dr. NW, Huntsville, AL 35806. Please RSVP by May 1st to northalabama.org/rsvp. The Half Day …

The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association Speakers Bureau offers knowledgeable professionals available to do informative and entertaining presentations relating to the tourism and travel industry. This service is available free for AMLA members who wish to offer a presentation to their local civic clubs, community organizations, government groups, hospitality and accommodation organizations, or general community awareness town meetings. ABOUT THE …

The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) announces the hiring of Tina Lawler as membership recruitment and legislative liaison. Lawler will be responsible for seeking and recruiting new members and for communicating with the legislative body in North Alabama. She assumed her responsibilities in early January. In her role as membership recruitment and legislative liaison, Lawler will report to President/CEO …

The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Associated has been honored as the 2019 Community Partner Eagle Award winner by the Alabama State Parks. AMLA was recognized for its ongoing efforts to “share the good news about the parks at various trade shows in the region and beyond, and also provides space for parks’ personnel training.” “We recognize the importance our state …

The Alabama Bass Trail (ABT) recently unveiled the 2019 tournament schedule with a cash payout reaching over $500,000 plus a grand prize of a new Phoenix Bass Boat. Returning for the sixth season, the team-style tournament series is held on eleven of the lakes of the Alabama Bass Trail beginning February 16, 2019. Sanctioned by BASS (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society), …