HUNTSVILLE — George Washington may not have slept here, but more than 2.8 million people stayed overnight in hotels in Madison County last year.
That’s according to the the Alabama Tourism Department’s 2024 Alabama Tourism Impact Report that was released last month.
The number of overnight visitors is the most of any of the state’s 67 counties and part of Madison County’s record-setting pace established in 2023 across all measurable data, the report said.
Though Madison County is ranked second (behind Baldwin County and its beaches) on the “Most Visited Counties in Alabama” list, an estimated 3,982,545 people visited here in 2024.
“We’re thrilled that Madison County hosted more travelers in hotel accommodations than any other county in Alabama, and remained the second-most visited county in the state,” said Jennifer Moore, president & CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This strong and sustained impact is a true testament to the value of the attractions, events, venues, and activities in our community.”
Tourism is proving to be a major economic engine as travel-related expenditures in Madison County remained steady at 2023’s record-breaking level, with more than $2.4 billion in revenue. The report also said the industry’s impact resulted in more than 23,000 travel-related jobs in Madison County.
The visitors also helped Madison County residents, indirectly, due to their expenditures which saved every household more than $1,300 in additional taxes.
“Travel and tourism fuels economic development in Huntsville, Madison, and all of Madison County, and adds to the quality of life of our residents,” Moore said.
