Peggy Collins of Montgomery serves as the South Alabama regional director for the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel. Collins distributed several brochures and described the more popular ones: “100 Dishes In Alabama To Die For,” “100 Outdoor Adventures In Alabama,” "Alabama Vacation Guide” and “How To Work With Alabama Tourism." She also mentioned the eight Alabama welcome centers that are all on interstate highways coming into Alabama, except the Houston County welcome center, which is on a four-lane highway. She briefly described the state's two most popular attractions: the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and the Gulf Coast.

Alabama tourism is a $7.1 billion industry. Assisting this industry is Dr. David Bronner, executive director of the Alabama Retirement System. He has pursued the purchase of radio and television stations that provide about $13 million in “free” advertising on behalf of Alabama tourism.

The annual tourism payroll is $2.9 billion, with about 150,000 jobs provided by tourism. Travel generates $473 million in state and local taxes, plus about $35 million in lodging taxes.

Collins (center) with Club President Bill Hutto (left) and program chair John Wild (right)