MADISON COUNTY, ALABAMA, Ala. — Madison County was not immune to the economic damages from the pandemic. As the county works to recover, local leaders are pushing a new initiative showcasing all the area has to offer.
On Friday, the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau announced their plans for Huntsville Attractions Week. This year, they are focusing on the role travel will play in recovering from the pandemic.
Huntsville/Madison County CVB President and CEO Judy Ryals said, "The hospitality industry includes attractions, restaurants, airports, and event venues, and those are some of the hardest hit in our industry this past year."
Although the pandemic cancelled events and closed businesses in Madison County, the area continues to see rapid growth and development. Local leaders say the county is in a good position to recover.
"Tourism is not just Madison, it's not just Huntsville, it's all of us," said Madison Mayor Paul Finley. "When people come here and have such a positive feeling about our community, they take it back home and they want to come again. It's not just sales dollars, it's how we are looked upon and right now our community is looked upon really well."
"It has hit us pretty hard," said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. "But there is a pent up demand now that we can get out, that we are a little bit past it, you know, we're getting past some of the face masking requirements and some of the other things."
Leaders say recovery will continue as we emerge from the pandemic and are hopeful to celebrate the end of it all this summer.
"In June, I think we'll be looking at a lot of it in the rearview mirror," said Battle. "Hopefully July 4th is a date that we can kind of say hey we're independent from this pandemic and we've passed it and we passed it well."
Huntsville Attractions Week is May 2-8, 2021. Each day (Monday-Friday) will have a dedicated theme: May 3 - Outdoors, May 4 - Space, May 5 - Arts and Culture, May 6 - History, and May 7 - Unique Venues.
May 3-8, the CVB will hide prize packs containing Huntsville gifts and swag at certain local attractions to bring in people from different areas. This year, they're also offering up a special grand prize.
People who find a golden ticket can redeem their ticket for an entry into the ultimate grand prize drawing for a Huntsville weekend vacation, including two nights of hotel accommodations, memberships and admission to various Huntsville attractions, and cash.
Clues as to where the prizes have been hidden will be given through the CVB’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram channels. The public is encouraged to follow along in order to be the first to locate each item.
WATCH: 2021 Huntsville Attractions Week Announcement Full Press Conference