Frequently Asked Questions

1. When was ATD created?
2. What is the purpose of ATD?
3. How is ATD funded?
4. Why does the state need ATD?
5. What is the 1-800-Alabama hotline?
6. Where does ABTT advertise Alabama?
7. What are Welcome Centers and where are they located?
8. What are Rest Areas and where are they located?
9. How can my brochures be distributed in the Welcome Centers?
10. How can I acquire ATD brochures for display?
11. What is a Matching Grant and how do I qualify?
12. What is the official Alabama Vacation Guide and how do I obtain an ad or listing?
13. What is the Alabama Calendar of Events and how do I include my event?
14. What is the Alabama Travelgram?
15. How does ATD work with travel writers?
16. How does ATD assist the group travel market and tour operators?
17. How does ATD pursue the global travel market?
18. What is www.alabama.travel?
19. What are some other ways ATD promotes tourism?
20. Where is ATD's main office located?

1. When was ATD created?

The agency which now goes by the name of the Alabama Tourism Department was created in October 1951 by legislative act as the Bureau of Publicity & Information. The name was amended in May 1984.

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2. What is the purpose of ATD?

This bureau, as mandated by the Legislature, was entitled with "exclusive power and authority to plan and conduct all state programs of information and publicity designed to attract tourists to the state of Alabama." Its purpose is to promote travel to and through Alabama. It does this both nationally and internationally.

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3. How is ATD funded?

ATD is funded by two sources. The first is by a General Fund appropriation from the state Legislature. The second is through a portion of the state lodging tax. This statewide lodging tax is charged on all hotel and motel rooms and campground sites.

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4. Why does the state need ATD?

ATD helps ensure that Alabama's economy gains maximum benefits from tourism. More than 18 million travelers spent $6.5 billion in the state in 2002, supporting the jobs of 139,000 Alabamians.

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5. What is the 1-800-Alabama hotline?

ATD operates the 1-800-Alabama and 334-242-4169 telephone system for Alabama tourism information. Calls are answered seven days a week by tourism promotion representatives who are knowledgeable about Alabama's tourism product and the state travel industry. The travel professionals handling incoming calls also offer travel counseling for potential tourists, assist students doing Alabama reports and process e-mail requests. Hours of operation are:

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6. Where does ATD advertise Alabama?

ATD's advertising efforts are targeted toward the Southeast, since 85 percent of tourists come from within a 500-mile radius of Alabama. Ads are placed in both print and broadcast media. State law prohibits ATD from placing advertisements within Alabama. For more information, contact Grey Brennan, 334-242-4459 or grey.brennan@tourism.alabama.gov.

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7. What are Welcome Centers and where are they located?

The eight official Alabama Welcome Centers are located at key entry points into the state (see the Welcome Centers page) and give over two million travelers their first impressions of Alabama. A Welcome Center is an outlet of tourist information. ATD employs Welcome Center personnel to greet tourists and promote the state's events, attractions, historic sites, lodgings and much more. The Alabama Department of Transportation maintains the grounds and structures.

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8. What are Rest Areas and where are they located?

Rest Areas are strategically located within the interior of the state along major highways. They provide a place for travelers to take a break while en route to their destination, and are not staffed by ATD employees. They come under the authority of the Alabama Department of Transportation.

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9. How can my brochures be distributed in the Welcome Centers?

Every brochure is approved by the ATD Brochure Committee and must adhere to the guidelines listed below:

1. Must be related to the travel industry in Alabama only. Must be open to the general public. International directories will not be accepted. National hotel/motel directories accepted two to a Welcome Center (maintained under the counter, for reference only – not for distribution to the public).
2. Must not be commercial sales real estate, timeshare and/or membership-only or land developments. Only rental properties in travel-related areas handled by real estate agencies, etc. are acceptable.
3. Brochures containing advertising will be accepted only when all advertising is directly related to the promotion of tourism in Alabama.
4. All brochures and/or rack cards – i.e., hotels, motels, campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, attractions and events with quoted rates, dollars off, percentage off, and/or free coupons – must have an expiration date printed on them. Open-ended rates, i.e., "$29.95 and up," are accepted only with an expiration date.
5. All brochures should contain proper English usage, and be concise and to the point with a good selling message. Brochures must have complete address and telephone number. It is strongly recommended that any important selling message that draws attention to the brochure be printed on the upper half of the front of the brochure, as this will ensure easy visibility when displayed in brochure racks.
6. Brochures must fit easily into display rack. Standard rack size is 4" x 9". To prevent brochures from curling over in racks, it is recommended that brochures be printed on 110 lb. stock paper. Due to limited space at the Welcome Centers, if a brochure does not meet the standard rack size, it may not be immediately visible or it may not be possible to display it to the public.
7. Brochures must be received for approval at least 30 days prior to distribution. Special events brochures must be received for approval at least three months in advance, if possible. Allow seven working days for Brochure Committee approval.
8. Prior to printing and to ensure that a brochure meets all guidelines, the Brochure Committee will accept fax copies, drafts, and photocopies for prior approval – provided all written copy is complete (fax # 334-242-2714).
9. For approval consideration for Welcome Center distribution, a copy of the brochure should be sent to: Alabama Tourism Department, Attn: Lu Taylor, P.O. Box 4927, Montgomery, AL 36103-4927, 334-242-4492.
10. Matching Grants brochures are pre-approved through the director's office and therefore do not have to go through the Brochure Committee. However, these brochures must be submitted to the committee for record-keeping purposes. For Matching Grants guidelines and application forms, contact Kerry Teague at 334-242-4359, kerry.teague@tourism.alabama.gov or Leigh Cross at 334-242-4416, leigh.cross@tourism.alabama.gov.
11. A letter of approval/disapproval will be mailed to the person submitting the brochure. To obtain additional information or if there are questions contact James Brooks, 334-242-4489 or james.brooks@tourism.alabama.gov.
12. An initial shipment of 2,000 brochures (after approval) is required to establish distribution to the Welcome Centers. For inventory purposes, all brochures are required to be shipped directly to the main office: Alabama Tourism Department, Attn: James Brooks, 401 Adams Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104, 334-242-4489. Brochures will be distributed after inventory process is completed. During the busy travel season the eight Welcome Centers may quickly deplete the initial supply of 2,000 brochures. A postcard will be sent to the brochure's contact person when it is time to replenish ATD's supply of the brochure.
13. All brochures must be approved for Welcome Center distribution prior to consideration for Rest Area distribution. Information and instructions for Rest Area distribution is available through ATD or the Alabama Department of Transportation.

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10. How can I acquire ATD brochures for display?

If you desire to display brochures that are published by ATD, you may call James Brooks and inquire about availability. Requests for literature not published by ATD should be made directly to the attraction/event/lodging of a city. Contact James Brooks, 334-242-4489 or james.brooks@tourism.alabama.gov.

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11. What is a Matching Grant and how do I qualify?

The Matching Grants program provides assistance on a 50/50 matching basis to non-profit Alabama tourism organizations promoting travel and vacation business in Alabama. Organizations approved for matching grants may be considered for grants on an annual basis. Funds may be used for brochures and out–of–state media advertising. No organization, or any of its subdivisions or affiliated groups, will be approved for more than one matching grant. Each non-profit organization will be required to submit its tax-exempt identification number or its tax-exemption letter from the Internal Revenue Service. For details, contact Kerry Teague at 334-242-4359, kerry.teague@tourism.alabama.gov or Leigh Cross at 334-242-4416, leigh.cross@tourism.alabama.gov.

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12. What is the official Alabama Vacation Guide and how do I obtain an ad or listing?

The official Alabama Vacation Guide contains comprehensive information about the state's attractions, lodgings, State Parks, campgrounds, outdoor recreation, outfitters and golf courses. It is published by ATD and given out to more than 300,000 tourists annually. Alabama Vacation Guide information is also posted on the ATD Web site at www.alabama.travel and is updated as needed. For information about adding or changing listings, or enhancing listings with display ads, contact Marilyn Jones Stamps at 334-242-4544 or marilyn.stamps@tourism.alabama.gov.

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13. What is the Alabama Calendar of Events and how do I include my event?

The Alabama Calendar of Events is produced annually. It provides descriptions, contacts and times for most listed events. The Alabama Calendar of Events is distributed to 200,000 tourists per year, plus the media. Events information must be submitted online at www.alabama.travel. To receive notification as to when to submit information, contact Marilyn Jones Stamps to be added to the mailing list. The deadline for submission to the 2005 Alabama Calendar of Events is July 1, 2004. Failure to meet the deadline may result in one's having to wait an additional year to include an event in the printed publication. Annual and special events will be posted on the ATD Web site and updated regularly. For more details, contact either Marilyn Jones Stamps, 334-242-4544, marilyn.stamps@tourism.alabama.gov.

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14. What is the Alabama Travelgram?

The Alabama Travelgram is a periodic publication containing news about ATD and its activities, as well as news relating to other segments of the state tourism industry. It has a mailing list of 3,000 which includes travel professionals, the media, government officials and others. Any news or photos relating to staff changes and other newsworthy items may be submitted and considered for inclusion. Contact Russell Nolen at 334-242-4169 or rnolen@tourism.state.al.us.

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15. How does ATD work with travel writers?

ATD provides support to travel writers interested in producing print or broadcast stories featuring Alabama as a travel destination. Assistance is given in the form of press kits, story ideas and itinerary suggestions. ATD periodically hosts a marketplace for travel journalists, providing networking opportunities for state tourism professionals and travel journalists. For more information, contact the Public Relations Division at 334-242-4546 or visit ATD's online press room at www.alabama.travel.

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16. How does ATD assist the group travel market and tour operators?

• Alabama Family Reunion Guide – geared specially to offer assistance to family reunion planners.
• Alabama Group Tour Planner – comprehensive resource book specially geared to needs of tour groups.
• Alabama Suggested Itineraries – a guide featuring themed itineraries along with Hub & Spoke tours.
• Alabama's Black Heritage – travel guide depicting historic and cultural sites, plus six suggested itineraries.
• Alabama Travel Marketing Calendar – consumer and trade show information.
• Assist with "Bus Blitzes" and "Sales Missions" in which Alabama tourism professionals meet one–on–one with group tour operators and travel agents.
• Provides listing of Alabama motorcoach companies and tour operators.
• Provides information on registering motorcoaches to tour Alabama.
• Provides details on familiarization tours for domestic and foreign tour operators and travel agents.
• Offers tour development assistance – including itinerary and trip planning suggestions; information on routes and attractions; travel times; and local tourism contacts.

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17. How does ATD pursue the global travel market?

Alabama welcomes an estimated 100,000 tourists from other countries, including Canada, England, Germany and Japan. This constitutes a small but important market segment. ATD participates in such international trade events as World Travel Market in London and Messe Berlin North America ITB Exchange in Germany. ATD also assists with familiarization tours for foreign journalists and tour operators. For a list of international consumer and trade shows at which Alabama is to be promoted, request a copy of the Alabama Travel Marketing Calendar from ABTT. For more information, contact Grey Brennan at 334-242-4459 or grey.brennan@tourism.alabama.gov.

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18. What is www.alabama.travel?

ATD maintains a home page on the Internet at www.alabama.travel. It contains comprehensive travel information and links to local tourism sites. For details on being included, contact Dawn Chandler at 334-242-4415 or dawn.chandler@tourism.alabama.gov.

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19. What are some other ways ATD promotes tourism?

• Provides statistical information on the economic impact of travel activity in Alabama.
• Plans and organizes special year-long marketing campaigns focusing on a central theme. 2004 is "The Year of Alabama Gardens" and 2005 will be "The Year of Alabama Food."
• Distributes free tourism brochures, maps and posters to interested parties and potential tourists.
• Produces "Trail Series" of travel brochures on state attractions of interest to specialized market segments: African-American heritage; birding; Civil War heritage; covered bridges; fall color; fishing; gardens; golf; and Native American heritage.
• Writes and distributes travel-related articles and press releases.
• Distributes press kits.
• Organizes press trips and familiarization tours to showcase Alabama to the media, tour operators and travel agents.
• Sponsors the Alabama's Beautiful People program, spotlighting interesting Alabamians whose personal or professional achievements contribute to the appeal of "Alabama the Beautiful" as a travel destination.
• Originates and distributes images of Alabama travel sites, including digital photographs and color slides, for print/broadcast reproduction and use in visual presentations.
• Offers an 8-minute narrated video showcasing Alabama as a travel destination.
• Offers video footage depicting travel-related scenes around the state, without narration.
• Represents Alabama at consumer travel shows, providing opportunities for one-on-one direct selling to potential visitors.
• Sponsors the Alabama Tourism Awards, honoring outstanding work within the state travel industry.
• Organizes special activities in celebration of National Tourism Week at Alabama's Welcome Centers.

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20. Where is ATD's main office located?

ATD's main office is in Suite 126 of the Alabama Center for Commerce building at 401 Adams Avenue in Montgomery. The office is stocked with free travel literature. Walk-ins are welcome.

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