GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – According to data released today by Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (CVB), Alabama’s beaches set a new spring record that surpassed the previous benchmark year of 2007. More than $64.9 million was spent in lodging rentals for spring 2011 (March – May), which is 12.7 percent higher than spring 2007 ($57.6 million). Incidentally, May 2011 finished 22.2 percent ahead of 2007. When comparing year-to-date figures, the area is currently 14 percent above the same period for 2007.

“These lodging figures show that the area is continuing to recover in a strong manner as lodging revenue is the best indicator of tourism growth,” said Herb Malone, president/CEO of the CVB. “To have figures that are outpacing our previous banner year speaks volume for the area’s resiliency, the loyalty of our consumer base and the synergistic effort of our entire tourism and hospitality industry.”

Gross retail sales for spring 2011 finished at $167.7 million.

These lodging and retail figures contribute to the income of more than 40,000 Baldwin County residents, who are employed in travel-related jobs.

June lodging and retail tax figures are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

6/7/2011

GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – Gulf Shores & Orange Beach tourism – which serves as the area’s official convention and visitors bureau – is proud to announce the promotion of Beth Gendler to vice-president of sales for the organization’s convention sales and sports commission departments.

“Beth has lead our team’s sales efforts as the director of sales for eight successful years,” said Herb Malone, president/CEO of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. “During her tenure, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of small conventions brought to the area. Her team has aggressively sought new opportunities while strengthening the existing ties. In addition, she had lead the development of our Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission. Since 2006, we have seen unprecedented growth in the sports travel market.”

For more information the CVB’s group sales department or the sports commission, visit www.gulfshores.com or www.gulfshoresorangebeachsports.com, respectively.

Envision Coastal Alabama Annual Meeting

Set for Thursday, Nov. 4

Envision Coastal Alabama will present its Annual Meeting Breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 4 from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at the Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel. Registration opens at 7:00 a.m. The cost to attend is $25 per person and includes breakfast.
Join the volunteers and elected leadership from both Baldwin and Mobile Counties to celebrate the people and projects that have helped to chart the course for the future of Coastal Alabama since 1997.

The breakfast meeting will feature guest speaker Ted Abernathy, executive director of the Southern Growth Policies Board (SGPB). SGPB is a public policy think tank that develops economic development policies for 13 Southern states. In his keynote presentation, Abernathy will speak about the difficult challenges faced by the Coastal Alabama region post-oil spill and hurricanes, while delivering a message of hope and inspiration to our community leaders promoting advocacy for future sustainability of the region. Abernathy has authored nationally-recognized strategic plans and reports and speaks to over 150 groups annually.

Sponsors for the event include: Bay Security Co. LLC; G.A. West and Company; Pilot Catastrophe and ThyssenKrupp Steel USA.
For reservations, contact Ailey Arrow Shirazi at 251-431-8621, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit events.mobilechamber.com.