MOBILE, Ala. — The Alabama Tourism Department kicked off Travel South USA Global Week with an immersive opening event, themed “Stars of Alabama,” on April 27 at the Gulf Coast Exploreum, welcoming more than 200 media representatives from around the world.

The event marked the official start of Travel South USA’s Global Media Marketplace, a premier gathering that connects international journalists and content creators with destinations across the Southern United States.

Hosted at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, the Alabama opening event showcased the state’s rich culture, culinary excellence and hospitality through an immersive “Stars of Alabama” theme. Guests 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.

“Hosting the opening event for Travel South USA Global Week is an incredible opportunity to showcase Alabama on a global stage,” said Grey Brennan, deputy director and head of marketing for the Alabama Tourism Department. “We are proud to welcome international media and tourism partners to Mobile and give them a firsthand look at the experiences, flavors and hospitality that make Alabama a must-visit destination.”

Travel South USA, the official regional destination marketing organization for the Southern United States, representing 12 states and promoting tourism through strategic partnerships and media engagement.

“Global Week is about connecting the world to the stories of the South, and Alabama set the tone in a remarkable way,” said Liz Bittner, president and chief executive officer of Travel South USA. “This opening event captured the spirit, creativity and authenticity that define the region and created meaningful opportunities for media to experience it firsthand.”

Mobile, known for its rich history, coastal culture and role as the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States, is serving as the host city for the 2026 Global Media Marketplace. The week’s programming includes curated city tours, one-on-one media appointments and networking events designed to generate international coverage and elevate the South as a premier travel destination.

The event was brought to life through a collaboration of local and regional partners. Catering was provided by Naman’s Catering, featuring fresh Gulf seafood with bar services by Bottles Up, including a signature cocktail made with Clyde May’s Whiskey. Event design, lighting and décor were provided by Floral Finerie, Southern Sounds and Lights by the Bay, with additional activations from FairPOPpers. Rentals and infrastructure were supported by Port City Rentals, transportation by Mob City Rides, live entertainment by Disco Lemonade and desserts by Mo’Bay Beignet.

The Alabama opening event was made possible through the collaboration of the Alabama Tourism Department, Travel South USA and a network of local partners who helped deliver a memorable first impression for visiting media and industry professionals.

For more information about Alabama tourism, visit Alabama.travel.

About Travel South USA

Travel South USA is the official regional Destination Marketing Organization of the Southern USA who works collaboratively with 12 partner states and their partner destinations to increase visitation and promote the South to key global markets. For more information, visit www.TravelSouthUSA.com.

About Alabama Tourism Department

The Alabama Tourism department is entitled with exclusive power and authority to plan and conduct all state programs of information and publicity designed to attract tourists to the state of Alabama. Its purpose is to promote travel to and through Alabama both national and internationally. For more information, visit www.tourism.alabama.gov.