By John Sharp

Hunting and fishing accounts for $1.7 billion in annual economic impact in the 23-county Black Belt. (Courtesy of Alabama Black Belt Adventurers Association)

Alabama’s Black Belt region that encompasses 23 counties through the central and southern portions of the state has long been maligned by tales of poverty, environmental hazards, limited economic opportunities and health care.

But the vast rural region is also home to a growing appeal as a hunting and fishing getaway, and it’s historic and cultural attractions are bringing in tourists, according to a new report released Saturday by the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA), a nonprofit organization committed to promoting outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities within the region.

The report, titled “The Economic Impact of Tourism in Alabama’s Black Belt Region,” shows the region generating an annual economic impact of $3.8 billion in 2023 and accounting for 45,500 jobs. The 2023 growth rate is 9% over the 2022 estimate.

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