Alabama Gulf Shores Tourism Hits $923M Record in 2025 Boom

GULF SHORES, Ala. (Day.News) — Tourism on Alabama's Beaches reached new heights in 2025, as visitor spending on lodging rentals in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan soared to a record $923 million, up from $871 million in 2024 and more than double the figure from a decade earlier.[1][2][3] The milestone was unveiled at the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism's annual Tourism Summit, where officials spotlighted steady growth in family vacations driven by white-sand beaches, expanded flight options at Pensacola International Airport and road trips from across the Southeast.[1][6] Retail sales also climbed, hitting $1.42 billion in 2025, edging out the prior year's $1.41 billion and underscoring robust economic impact in Baldwin County.[1][3] New hotel and resort constructions have supercharged the rebound, drawing crowds amid post-pandemic travel recovery. Statewide, Alabama welcomed 120,600 more visitors in 2024, with over 62% heading to the coast, per the 2026 Tourism Roadmap.[4] The hot streak persists into 2026, with March destination occupancy jumping 7% over 2025, according to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism data cited by spokesperson Colvin.[5] Beth Gendler, president and CEO of the tourism board, emphasized sustained momentum in a recent report, linking gains to infrastructure investments and events.[6] Local leaders eye further expansions to capitalize on the surge.