Visit Mobile earned Tourism Organization of the Year, and David Clark, President & CEO of the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), was named the Executive of the Year at the 2025 Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The award ceremony took place on Sunday, August 24, at The Lodge at Gulf State Park.
The conference offers Alabama tourism professionals the opportunity to examine the economic impact of the industry on the state’s economy, discuss marketing, sales, development and other strategies, as well as celebrate industry achievements.
“We are exceedingly grateful to our Visit Mobile Board, Mayor Stimpson, City Council and County Commissioners for their continued investments in tourism,” said Clark. He also expressed gratitude towards Mobile’s hotels, restaurants and attractions – and their employees – for serving and shaping the City of Mobile as a premier destination.
In part, achievements that earned Visit Mobile and Clark the honors include:
* The renewal of the state’s first Tourism Improvement District, providing a five-year public-private partnership and millions of dollars in resources to destination promotion and capital improvement.
* The number of visitors to Mobile increased to nearly 3.4 million last year, and they spent $1.8 billion in the city, representing a $480 million rise since 2019.
* The launch of a comprehensive redesign of Mobile.org and the accompanying “Upgrade Your Expectations” marketing campaign, utilizing established Visit Mobile pillars to redefine Mobile as a premier destination.
* Visit Mobile secured a full-time Carnival Cruise Line ship, the biggest vessel and best itineraries in the city’s history. Additionally, over the last eight years, the DMO played a key role in restoring Amtrak passenger rail service after a 20-year absence.
* Visit Mobile is now booking 61% more group business than historical averages.
* Clark’s engagement with city and county leadership has turned ideas into actions, with projects such as Mobile’s new international airport and $300 million arena complex.
David Clark, Visit Mobile President & CEO, accepts Tourism Executive of the Year award
at the 2025 Alabama Governor's Conference on Tourism.
