Birmingham Tourism On The Rise

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Is Birmingham a popular tourist destination? According to a recent report, the Magic City's tourism industry is on the rise, thanks to its vibrant culinary scene and new attractions.

A report by the Birmingham Business Journal reveals that 2017 was a prosperous year for Birmingham tourism. The report shows that Jefferson County posted a 5 percent increase in tourism spending in 2017, according to a study commissioned by the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau. Total tourism spending in Jefferson County totaled $1.9 billion, which was an all-time high.

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The study found local tourism boosted state taxes by $158.9 million and local taxes by $85.5 million. Tourists spent the most on eating out, as dining represented 28 percent of overall expenditures and shopping came in at 25 percent.

John Oros, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, said successful events like the Senior Games brought in new visitors, and business travel is up, along with meetings and conventions, and amateur sporting events and tournaments, creating a strong demand for hotel rooms. Of the visitors who traveled to Jefferson County, 59 percent came on business, and 55 percent were from out of state.

In addition to Birmingham's abundance of great restaurants, the Birmingham Civil Rights Trail also figures to factor into the tourism boom.

Photo by Michael Seale/Patch

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