Birmingham Tourism the Crown Jewel of Jefferson County

Birmingham, the melting pot of history, culture and sport in Alabama has seen a significant rise in tourism, approaching almost 4 million visitors in 2023 according to a report released by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau (GBCVB). The impeccable blend of business and leisure activities, sports events, and world-class dining and shopping establishments, it appears, is far from exhausting its allure.

A Deeper Look into Birmingham’s Tourism

The latest economic impact report by the GBCVB entailing Birmingham’s tourism numbers, unveils notable progress over the years. The number of visitors saw an uptick of 1.51%, from 3.9 million in 2022 to nearly hitting 4 million in 2023. State and local revenue generated from this sector soared by 4.6%, from $283 million in 2022 to $296 million in 2023. The industry also boosted employment numbers with tourism-related jobs growing by 1.1% from 51,000 in 2022 to 51,500 in 2023.

When comparing pre-pandemic numbers (2019) to those in 2023, Birmingham’s tourism has made strides at an impressive pace. Visitor numbers shot up 10% reaching 3.96 million in 2023 from 3.6 million in 2019. Revenue received at state and local levels amplified by a whopping 74.1%, from $170 million in 2019 to $296 million in 2023. Tourism-related jobs increased by 56.2% from 33,000 in 2019 to 51,500 to 2023, contributing significantly to Birmingham’s economy.

Major Events Boost Tourism in Birmingham

The spike in visitors and revenue can be credited to several major events that were hosted in the city in 2023, including the celebrated NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the distinguished annual meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists, the stimulating new Food + Culture festival, the influential 60th commemoration of the Birmingham Civil Rights Movement, and thrilling sports events like the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix, SEC Baseball Tournament and the Ticketsmarter Birmingham Bowl.

Sports Tourism in Birmingham

Birmingham’s tourism portfolio is proud to feature sports entertainment as a strong component. The city’s standing in this regard was recognized by a Sports Business Journal report in March 2024, placing Birmingham third on the list of Best Sports Business Cities Without a Big Five Team in the U.S.

To sum it up, in the words of John Oros, President and CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, “Tourism is a leading contributor to our regional economy. It is the common thread that impacts and unites all of our 34 municipalities across Jefferson County.“

With its rich history, myriad of entertainment options, and the love for sports, Birmingham continues to project an upward trend in attracting more visitors, generating increased revenue and contributing to local employment. Without a doubt, Birmingham is setting an example in the arena of tourism, paving the way for other cities to follow.