According to a recent report released by the Alabama Department of Tourism, travelers spent $76 million in Dallas County in 2018, a 7.1 percent increase in spending on hotels, restaurants and shopping over 2017 numbers.

The report, which was overseen by Montgomery economist Dr. Keivan Deravi, states that those numbers supported more than 1,000 jobs in the area.

After looking over the numbers, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-AL, issued a statement in celebration of the boost.

“I have always believed that the history that lives in Selma is the key to economic revitalization,” Sewell said. “These increased tourism numbers and resulting job growth is proof positive that we are on the right path and making strides towards economic growth.”

Across the state, Alabama’s travel industry grew by more than $1 billion in 2018 to a record-setting $15.5 billion, which created more than 11,000 jobs in the state.

According to a press release from Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s office, the tourism industry attracted more than 27 million visitors to the state last year, which generated some $954 million in state and local taxes and saved the average Alabama taxpayer around $500 in additional taxes.

“We are excited our tourism industry grew by 8.5 percent in 2018 and we are proud to welcome millions of visitors to every region of our state, from the Tennessee Valley to the Wiregrass, to experience our hiking trails, beaches, restaurants and historical sites each year,” Ivey said. “This great news not only impacts tourism, but it also has a major impact on our employment sector. Almost 200,000 direct and indirect jobs were maintained by the industry last year, setting yet another record.”

The most significant jump in tourism dollars was in Montgomery County, which saw a jump of more than 15 percent on the heels of the Equal Justice Initiative’s museum and memorial openings.

“We are proud that this past year showed the largest growth in visitors and expenditures in the state’s history,” said State Tourism Director Lee Sentell. “We substantially exceeded our goals by attracting more than one million additional visitors and increasing expenditures by $1.2 billion.”

The travel industry represents just over seven percent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and, if Sewell has her way, that industry will continue to contribute to the growth and revitalization of Selma and Dallas County.

“I will continue working at the federal level to bring resources and opportunity home to Selma and look forward to seeing even more increased growth in 2019,” Sewell said.