North Alabama Tourism News (click here to see all recent posts)

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has named Tami Reist, Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) president and CEO, as a 2020-2021 Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellow.    As a Fellow, Reist will participate in the Appalachian Leadership Institute, an extensive nine-month series of online skill-building seminars featuring regional experts, peer-to-peer learning, and case study analysis beginning in mid-October through July, 2021. Topics include: · Designing effective economic development project …

Eleven individuals and organizations were recognized for their accomplishments during this past year during the 2020 PEAK Awards Luncheon. The program pays tribute to tourism leaders, attractions, festivals and organizations that set the bar for North Alabama’s $3 billion tourism industry. Northern Star Award - Haley Newton, Joe Wheeler State Park Facility Operator. The Northern Star Award is presented to …

DUE TO THE FLUID SITUATION WITH THE COVID-19 VIRUS, DATES AND LOCATIONS ARE TENTATIVE. PLEASE CONFIRM ACTIVITY BEFORE TRAVELING LONG DISTANCES. Association of Tennessee Valley GovernmentsOctober 27-28, 2020Gatlinburg, TN STS Symposium November 30-December 2, 2020 Roswell, GA Alabama State Tourism Meetings November 8 and 9Auburn, Opelika ConferenceCenterFebruary 8 and 9, 2021Location TBDNovember 15 and 16, 2021Location TBD 2020 STS Marketing …

The North Alabama tourism and travel industry achieved a record $3.2 billion economic impact on the region in 2019 according to a study released recently by the Alabama Tourism Department. The figure of $3,209,283,833 represents an 7.8% growth over 2018’s $2,926,299,074. In another key segment, the state study showed some 37,644 residents in the region are employed directly and indirectly …

Twenty-seven individuals from across North Alabama have been named a North Alabama Elite Tourism Professional, a program of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) where tourism employees demonstrating outstanding customer service and hospitality in the 16-county North Alabama region were recognized in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week. The following individuals have each been named a North Alabama …

From AMLA President/CEO Tami Reist It goes without saying the coronavirus has had a heartbreaking effect on our nation. An important part of this recovery is a return of jobs, the successful reopening of retail businesses, and an influx of tax dollars into our communities so local governments can provide the services vital to their residents. These are the core …

The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) is launching a new program this month that will help create a workforce pool for the hospitality industry while creating new career opportunities for North Alabama residents recovering from opioid addictions. Named “Second Helping”, the program serves to help those recovering from opioid addictions to reenter the work force while helping to fill …

The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association is launching the North Alabama Privilege Passport program in January 2020 to help your visitation. The program allows you to offer a discount admission to consumers who sign up for the FREE program. AMLA has partnered with Bandwango to implement the program. Bandwango empowers destinations to uniquely appeal to various visitor types with engaging …

Governor Kay Ivey has appointed Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association President/CEO Tami Reist to the Hospitality and Tourism Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the Alabama Committee on Credentialing and Career Pathways (ACCCP) representing workforce development region one. The appointment was made at the first of December, 2019. Ivey noted that serving on the committee is an opportunity to help improve …

The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA) will host a pair of free seminars to round out the calendar year. “Using Instagram to Tell Your Brand Story” on will be held on Tuesday, October 15. The event will be held at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia and is open to all AMLA members. Kristen Waldrop and Beth …