UA Economic Development Center Seeks to Boost Area Tourism

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development has aided West Alabama groups in the production of two brochures and an appearance at a key tourism showcase in an effort to sell the area to visitors and boost economic development.

The UA group has started a partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission to promote economic development and tourism in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Pickens and Tuscaloosa counties. The efforts also involve the development group Tour West Alabama.

Through its partnership with UA’s Center for Economic Development and Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports, Tour West Alabama is able to participate in the Travel South International Showcase from Monday, Nov. 30, through Thursday, Dec. 3, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The groups will promote West Alabama through printed publications to more than 30 tour operators. The publications are the “Visit West Alabama” booklet and “West Alabama BBQ Trail” brochure.

“Having the opportunity to combine the sights, sounds and tastes from the West Alabama region has allowed me to present a more attractive package to the International market,” said Tina Jones, director of tourism for Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports.

The “Visit West Alabama” booklet, which had a press run of 10,000, offers a two-day itinerary for visiting the seven counties of west Alabama, including the Pie Lab in Hale County and the Brierfield Ironworks Historical Park in Bibb County.

The “West Alabama BBQ Trail” brochure features Truman’s BBQ in Greene County and Boss Hog BBQ in Reform, among others.  The brochures are distributed at the Alabama State Welcome Center in Cuba and other places and are available at the tourwestalabama.com website.

The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development, directed by Nisa Miranda, provides economic development resources and community-based strategic planning in support of local economic development efforts, primarily in the economically distressed parts of the state.

Center staff members provide guidance to communities in leveraging other UA resources and partners with the specific focus on community development and capacity building at all levels. Its mission is to assist communities as they prepare to take advantage of economic development opportunities for growth which puts them in a better position to support existing businesses as well as to create and attract new investments and jobs.

The Center is part of UA’s Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development.