House Bill 553 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Adline ClarkeRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Tourism; creates a grant program for boosting state tourism economies affected by global trade disruptions and foreign travel slowdowns; creates a competitive grant program to fund tourism-related infrastructure projects; creates international and domestic marketing campaigns; establishes the Tourism Sector Economic Monitoring Council

Summary

HB553 creates a Tourism Revenue Recovery and Global Promotion Act to help Alabama's tourism economy recover from global disruptions through grants, marketing campaigns, infrastructure funding, and a new monitoring council.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a grant program for eligible tourism businesses affected by disruptions, with up to $100,000 per entity to retain staff, update facilities or safety, and support marketing or operations.; It sets up international tourism marketing campaigns to expand brand presence in new markets, restore inbound travel, and partner with airlines, travel platforms, and influencers, using data-driven methods coordinated with destination marketing organizations.; It creates a competitive grant program to fund tourism-related infrastructure projects such as parks, trails, cultural landmarks, visitor centers, signage, and mobility improvements, and also coordinates a domestic advertising effort to promote in-state tourism and regional experiences.; It establishes the Tourism Sector Economic Monitoring Council to monitor trends, assess risks, advise the Governor and Legislature, and publish an annual tourism impact report.

Who It Affects

• Eligible tourism businesses (lodging, travel, entertainment, attractions, or hospitality services) that have been affected by tourism disruptions and may receive grants.
• Alabama Tourism Department as the administrator and implementer of grants, campaigns, and programs.
• Airlines, travel platforms, and influencers involved in international marketing campaigns.
• Destination marketing organizations that coordinate and support marketing campaigns.
• Regions and communities experiencing downturns that would benefit from domestic advertising and infrastructure investments.
• State leadership and lawmakers who oversee and use the monitoring council’s insights and reports.

Key Provisions

• Section 4: Creates a grant program for eligible tourism businesses with up to $100,000 per entity for retaining staff, updating facilities/safety, or marketing/operational continuity.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 3, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Economic Development