Annual Legislative Tourism Bash by John Dersham

Next Tuesday Tourism as an industry in Alabama will host its 12th annual Legislative Tourism Bash. This event is a way to thank our elected officials for their support for tourism in Alabama.
This event which takes place just down the street from the capital building is held in the RSA Activity Center. Our normal crowd is around 650 people including 100 legislators, 75 legislative staffers and 25 public officials, 300 tourism industry professionals and 100 food and beverage sponsors. The Governor and his wife often come to this event and will usually say a few words about the importance of tourism to the economy in Alabama and to the revenue stream tourism provides to the state’s general fund.
The annual Tourism Bash has been a wonderful event to network among our industry and at the same time we are able to talk individually with our elected officials. Tourism always hosts this event in conjunction with the legislation session. Usually legislators will come directly from the state house to our event which runs from 5-8 P.M.
Some of our state’s finest and best known restaurants will be food sponsors and they will provide food for all the guests. In addition we have beverage sponsors including the Alabama Wine Trail. These vendors provide samples of the wine made here in Alabama. There are now 14 vineyards on the Alabama Wine Trial (You can get a brochure on the wine trail at DeKalb Tourism Information Center).
This is an event that has become a favorite among our legislators. It is a fun time for causal conversation, a little music, and a taste of some of the finest food in the state. This event, though not open to the public plays an important role for each part of the state. It gives a relaxed environment to speak about our individual area, our needs, concerns and more importantly our progress that has made Tourism one of the largest industries in Alabama and one of the highest employers. Last year tourists spent $10.3 billion in Alabama and 175,000 people in Alabama make all or part of their living in tourism. It is no wonder why so many legislators come to our event and find out the newest things in Alabama Tourism. The event gives us in the tourism industry a chance to thank our legislators for their work in helping us become successful.