Print |
Return to menu
ABOUT THE CVB
The Alabama Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) was founded in 1993 as the official destination marketing organization for the areas of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan. Our primary responsibility is to market the Alabama Gulf Coast as a premier year-round destination. It is our job to let the world know all that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have to offer, make it easy for guests to plan a visit, and help them find things to do while they're here - from finding great seafood to entertaining the kids, to ushering you into the wonder of a nature excursion or catching a round of golf.
With 27 full-time and 9 part-time employees, the CVB has a $5.6 million budget, which is funded by a 2 percent lodging tax.
Name
Legally, this organization operates as the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. In August 2010, the CVB completed a corporate identification process and unveiled its new (DBA) name - Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, which will help guests quickly identify the helpful services and information that solely exist to better serve them and result in a better vacation experience.
Mission
To market the Alabama Gulf Coast as a year-round destination, thus enhancing the economy and quality of life for all residents
Vision
Communities, families and invited guests living and recreating harmoniously amongst the grace and beauty of our natural environment
CVB’s Accreditation
In June 2008, the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau
(CVB) became the first destination marketing organization (DMO) from the
state of Alabama to be accredited by the Destination Marketing
Accreditation Program (DMAP). The CVB joins a limited number of other
accredited organizations throughout the nation and nearly 30 other
countries.
DMAP is an international accreditation program developed by Destination
Marketing Association International, which is a membership-based
organization with more than 650 destination marketing organizations
(DMOs) - which are sometimes called convention and visitor bureaus or
tourism boards - in nearly 30 countries. Program applicants are judged
on a wide range of criteria, such as finance, management, human
resources, technology, visitor services, group services, sales,
communications, membership, brand management, destination development,
research/market intelligence, innovation and stakeholder relationships.
Once a company receives accreditation, it joins an elite group of DMOs
committed to industry excellence.
For more information on DMAP, visit
www.destinationmarketing.org.
Welcome Centers
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism operates two welcome centers where visitors can pick up information on local accommodations, attractions, restaurants and events in addition to helpful tips and directions from our hospitality and information experts.
The Gulf Shores center is located on Highway 59 (3150 Gulf Shores Pkwy) just north of the Intracoastal Waterway and across from The Track. The Orange Beach center (23685 Perdido Beach Blvd) can be found on Highway 182 East about one-fourth mile west of Wintzell’s Oyster House. (Look for the green metal roof. You absolutely cannot miss it.) Stay in touch from our two computer terminals located at the Orange Beach office. Both locations offer free wireless Internet service.
During the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), the welcome centers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. After Labor Day, hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. They are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Contact Us
You can reach us at 1-800-745-SAND (7263) or
info@gulfshores.com.
Gulf Shores Welcome Center
3150 Gulf Shores Parkway (Hwy. 59 south)
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-968-7511 or 800-745-SAND
Orange Beach Welcome Center & Administrative Offices
23685 Perdido Beach Blvd. (Hwy. 182)
Orange Beach, AL 36561
251-974-1510 or 800-982-8562
Call Center/Finance Office/Warehouse
900 Commerce Loop
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
251-974-1510
Mailing address:
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
P.O. Drawer 457
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
Return to menu
Subscribe to eScoop