Governor Bentley Promotes Tourism

Gov. Robert Bentley urged Alabama residents during his inaugural address to vacation in their home state. "I want to take a moment to encourage you to do what I've done. Travel this state - take time to enjoy the beauty of Alabama. Visit the mountains of North Alabama. Enjoy our clear lakes and streams. Stroll the main streets of our small towns in rural Alabama. Spend some good, quality time on the beautiful clean beaches of Gulf Shores." His remarks came after being sworn in Monday as the state's 53rd chief executive. He also called for the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources to "create and build a state-of-the-art convention center" along the Gulf Coast. When he addressed the tourism industry's conference in Montgomery as a candidate in August, he identified a conference center at Gulf State Park as his top tourism priority.
    
State tourism director Lee Sentell, who was sworn in Tuesday to serve in the Bentley Administration, said he could not recall any governor giving such strong, specific support for tourism in an inaugural address. "This is great news. Gov. Bentley has made it clear what his goals are. Our industry will work very hard to help him complete this economic development project." Sentell visited with Dr. and Mrs. Bentley during a reception of well-wishers at the Governor's Mansion on Sunday night.