A recent report revealed that Alabama's Black Belt region will generate $3.8 billion in statewide economic impact in 2023, an increase of $1.9 billion from 2020, just a few years ago.

Additionally, tourism in the region reportedly created an estimated 45,500 jobs during the same period.

Pam Swanner, president of the Alabama Black Belt Adventure Association, explained why the area is so popular with so many: “It’s a great place to visit.

“Alabama's Black Belt draws visitors for a variety of reasons, primarily outdoor recreational activities like hunting, fishing, birdwatching, hiking and camping,” Swanner said. “The Black Belt is also rich in cultural events and festivals, like Quilt Airing at Gee's Bend, and numerous historic sites. Add in a vibrant arts and culinary scene, and it's easy to see why so many people travel this scenic back road year-round.”

RELATED: Alabama's Black Belt: A haven for hunters, anglers and golfers

“This report clearly shows that every county in the Black Belt region benefits from tourism and also shows that tourism revenues have a positive impact on the state budget.”

“Our organization is committed to highlighting outdoor recreational opportunities and working with community partners to provide visitors with an immersive experience of our cultural heritage. Our efforts are coming to fruition, which is very gratifying.”

Gov. Kay Ivey, a native of the region, knows its value firsthand.

“Tourism is a key component of Alabama's economic growth,” said Ivey. “Having grown up in the heart of the Black Belt in Wilcox County, I know our region has so much to offer, from outdoor recreation like hunting and fishing to world-changing cultural events, talented artisans and craftsmen and historic sites.”

“We are excited to see the tourism industry grow in the Black Belt region.”

Greenville Mayor Dexter McClendon, an ALBBAA board member, said the area is attracting global attention.

“Those of us who live in the Black Belt have long known the wealth of recreational and cultural activities we enjoy here, but now it's clear that people from all over the country and even the world are noticing it,” McClendon said. “With so many different places people visiting Greenville, it's hard to remember them all, but this report shows that tourism provides tremendous economic benefits throughout the region.”

“In all 23 counties in the Black Belt region, tourism is a significant part of the local economy.”

The report, titled “The Economic Impact of Tourism in the Alabama Black Belt Region,” was prepared by Dr. Kayvan DeLavi of Montgomery-based Economics Research Services Inc. Other key findings from the report include:

• Total direct and indirect payroll is expected to reach $1.25 billion in 2023, representing 8% growth from 2022.
• Alabama state and local governments received $219 million in taxes from Black Belt tourism.
• Hunting and fishing generate $1.7 billion in annual economic output and account for nearly half of tourism spending in the Black Belt region.
• In 2023, tourism injected $750 million into the local county's economy.
• Black Belt tourism accounts for $70 million in contributions to the Alabama Education Trust Fund and General Fund.

The Black Belt includes 23 counties: Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clark, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer for Yellow Hammer News.