Alabama's Gulf Coast Sees Bright Future Ahead

Alabama's glorious Gulf Coast has had to contend with some heavyweight issues in recent times, none more devastating than 2005's Hurricane Katrina, and the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster in April 2010. As well as the sad loss of 11 lives in last year's tragedy, the impact of the spill was felt far and wide. Tourism, among the area's key economic drivers, was severely affected and last summer the region saw vacationers staying away from the Gulf Coast in droves. The state's world famous multi-million dollar seafood industry, which employs up to 18,000 people, was also imperiled by the massive oil spill. Already feeling the effects of global recession, Alabama's coastal region was looking at a bleak reality.

One year on, and the resilient people of this beautiful stretch of shoreline are enjoying a renewed sense of optimism as the pending summer shows all the hallmarks of a return to former glories. Gone, and almost forgotten, are the tar balls that threatened to carpet the pristine white beaches. The fisheries have been given the green light and are back in action, supplying local restaurants with fresh fish and shrimp. A BP-funded advertising campaign, coupled with an increase in the number of winter visitors and spring-break vacationers flocking back to Alabama's stunning resorts, has given local residents and businesses a welcome sense of relief.

Resort towns such as Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are gearing up for what they hope will be a return to the kind of summer enjoyed prior to the BP affair. Many traditional visitors, having chosen alternative vacation locations during the 2010 summer season, will have to be lured back and many business are offering discounted rates to entice families back to the welcoming waters and beaches of Alabama's stunning Gulf Coast .

Signs are already looking positive, and such events as Hangout Music Festival have already sold out, ensuring the arrival of thousands of visitors, all of whom will be seeking lodging, food and drinks for the duration of the 3-day event. This amazing party on Gulf Shores Beach will see headlining acts as diverse as Paul Simon, Foo Fighters, Widespread Panic and Motorhead taking to the various stages and entertaining the crowds in late May.

And now that the Gulf has been fully re-opened for fishing, local anglers are reporting great catches and sports fishing charters are seeing considerable interest in bookings.

So, with summer just around the corner it looks as if vacationers and residents of Alabama's beautiful Gulf Coast communities from Dauphin Island to Orange Beach can put past events behind them, and look forward to a season to remember.

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