In the 1993 book “Tourism, Technology and Competitive Strategies,” Tourism Consultant Auliana Poon proclaimed, “The golden age of tourism is over.”
She equated the tourism golden age with mass tourism and argued that its days were numbered. Rigidly packaged holidays lacking consideration of culture and environment, she argued, would give way to a sustainable “new tourism.”
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism have noted through guest surveys that families staying in the area for a week are looking for activities other than beachgoing after the first few days they are here. Last summer, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism revealed a new program called Signature Experiences for visitors along the Alabama Gulf Coast. These hands-on adventures are the products of a nine-month experiential tourism initiative conducted by Joe Veneto from Veneto Collaboratory. They give visitors new experiences – something other than the beach – that celebrate local history, culture, nature and food.
Baldwin County, Alabama, welcomed an estimated 6.6 million visitors in 2018. They left behind nearly $4.8 billion in tourism-related spending.
Here’s a look at the Signature Experiences that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism is promoting:
Guided Pier Walk - Gulf State Park Nature Center: Experience firsthand the biodiversity of the Gulf of Mexico as you journey down the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier with one of the park’s expert naturalists.
Angler Academy - Gulf State Park Nature Center: Take part in a hands-on beginner’s workshop to saltwater fishing. Join one of the state park experts at the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier to learn all of the tools and rules of pier fishing on the Gulf.
Espionage at Mobile Point - Fort Morgan: In this escape room experience at historic Fort Morgan, you are Civil War spies who are captured just before the important Battle of Mobile Bay. You must use cyphering and creativity to crack codes, find the battle plans and get away!
Reel Surprise Charters: Embark on a fun-filled four- or six-hour fishing trip while an expert captain and crew provide you with all the instruction, gear and equipment needed for a memorable day on the water.
The Dolphins and Wildlife Kayak Experience - Wild Native Tours: Whether you’re a novice or veteran kayaker, this three-hour excursion is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the beauty of the waterways along the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo – Animal Encounters: Join zookeepers and learn close-up how they care for a variety of intriguing animals. You can also make an enrichment item for some of the zoo’s residents to have in their environment and watch as they interact with your creation.
- Kangaroo Encounter: Hop on into Kangaroo Crossing the meet the red kangaroos for some unforgettable moments as the zookeeper shares interesting, educational facts.
- Lemur Encounter: Meet Madagascar’s most endangered species in their habitat at the “Little Zoo That Could.”
- Sloth Encounter: Learn about the behaviors and diets of one of the slowest animals in the world. If they are awake, you might get to feed them.
- Tamandua Encounter: Learn about the unique, friendly tamanduas that are native to Central and South America and related to anteaters.
Bath Boldly - High Cotton Bath Company: You can customize and create chemical-free bath, body, home or pet products with a variety of scents and product bases in these fragrant-filled classes.
Chef’s Table - Orange Beach Concierge: Enjoy an intimate and upscale dining experience focused on locally-sourced, high-quality produce, seafood and meats with local chef David Pan.
To learn more about the Signature Experiences, visit GulfShores.com/Signature-Experiences. And, for more information on Alabama’s white-sand beaches, visit GulfShores.com.