Governor Bentley Commends Work of Alabama Tourism Department

By: Governor's Office & Alabama Tourism Department

MONTGOMERY (Governor’s Office) — Governor Robert Bentley on Monday commended the Alabama Tourism Department for its work last week in New York City. The Tourism Department set out on a takeover of Manhattan. The marketing campaign involved several experiences that brought unique aspects of Alabama to the people living in and visiting New York.

“What the Alabama Tourism Department did was reveal the true Alabama to an entirely new audience,” Governor Bentley said. “This campaign was innovative in its approach to reaching new audiences. I hope that some of those introduced to our “Great State” last week will soon make their way here to experience all Alabama has to offer.”

The Tourism Department took over one of New York’s popular double-decker tour buses, offering a hop-on/hop-off tour experience with the sights and sounds of Alabama while in New York. The custom-wrapped Alabama bus allowed weary travelers to pause and compare the hustle and bustle of New York to the relaxed, savory experience of a trip through Alabama via vivid descriptions of Sweet Home Alabama, as well as connections between Alabama and the city. The tour hit all the major landmarks on a downtown route, from Times Square to the Empire State Building.

“Touring a whole state while visiting a different city, in a different state altogether, seems like an impossible feat,” said Lee Sentell, director of the Alabama Tourism Department. “But we brought the sights and sounds of Alabama with us, and are eager to have people walk away feeling excited about a new vacation destination.”

Last week, two events took place: The first invited people near Herald Square to take a relaxing break in a display replicating Alabama’s Gulf Coast; the second offered spectators a taste of Alabama, and passed out Belle Chevre’s cheesecake with a unique delivery.

Additionally, commuters who tuned into radio station 87.9 FM, within a 400-foot radius of an interactive billboard, could listen to enticing and relaxing sounds from all over Alabama, at Watts and Thompson Streets.

The displays and bus ride were a unique complement to the larger Savor Alabama campaign, aimed at educating potential tourists about what truly makes the state a place you can take in all the sights, sounds, smells, flavors and sensations. Additionally, the campaign has been featured in publications Conde Nast Traveler, Southern Living, Travel & Leisure, Garden & Gun and National Geographic Traveler.

“It was an amazing week of experiences, engaging with locals and tourists alike,” Sentell said. “We feel like we reached a new audience of travelers and educated them on what makes Alabama an ideal travel destination, through distinctive one-of-a-kind experiences and a touch of Southern hospitality.”