The Alabama Tourism Department kicked off their Travel South USA Global Week in Mobile on Monday, April 27, with more than 200 media representatives and content creators from around the world in attendance.
The opening event, held at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, showcased Alabama’s rich culture, culinary excellence and hospitality through an immersive “Stars of Alabama” theme.
Mobile was chosen to serve as the host city for the 2026 Global Media Marketplace due to the city’s:
- Rich history
- Coastal culture
- Role as the U.S. birthplace of Mardi Gras
Travel South USA is the official regional destination marketing organization for the South, representing 12 states across the region.
“Hosting the opening event for Travel South USA Global Week is an incredible opportunity to showcase
Grey Brennan, deputy director and head of marketing for the Alabama Tourism Department
Alabama on a global stage.”
Keep reading to find out what Travel South USA’s opening event held + which local/regional businesses were partners!
“Stars of Alabama” opening event at the Gulf Coast Exploreum
The goal of Travel South USA Global Week is to generate international coverage and elevate the South as a premier travel destination.
Media and content producers in attendance at the opening event were welcomed through a red carpet entrance before stepping into an evening featuring Gulf seafood, live entertainment and interactive brand activations highlighting Alabama’s people, places and products.
“Global Week is about connecting the world to the stories of the South, and Alabama set the tone in a remarkable way.”
Liz Bittner, president and chief executive officer of Travel South USA
Global Week’s programming includes:
- Curated city tours
- One-on-one media appointments
- Networking events
Local + regional businesses featured at Travel USA’s Global Week
“Stars of Alabama” wouldn’t have been complete without the collaboration of local and regional businesses. Check out which ones got to share their talent with the attendees and what each one contributed:
- JJPR Agency
- Naman’s Catering
- Bottles Up Mobile
- Mob City Rides
- Floral Finerie
- Southern Sounds
- Lights by the Bay
- FairPOPpers Balloon Boutique
- Port City Rentals
- Disco Lemonade
- Mo’Bay Beignet
For more information about Alabama tourism, visit Alabama Travel’s website here.
