Sunday, September 8, 2024 The DeKalb Tourism Visitor Center (DTVC) in Fort Payne, Alabama, has recently made strides in boosting its visibility to locals and tourists alike. With new signage both on the building and the lawn, the center is now easier to spot, drawing more attention to its services. John Dersham, President/CEO of DeKalb Tourism , expressed satisfaction with the improvements: “The new signs, done by Accel Graphics, have made a big difference.
People used to ask where we were located, but now we’re hearing, ‘We love your new sign,’ which is great for increasing awareness of our location.” The DTVC’s previous location, situated in a flood zone, was damaged, prompting the purchase and remodeling of its new home at 2114 Gault Ave. N.
The new signage was funded through DeKalb Tourism’s share of lodging taxes collected from hotels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals. The state levies a 5% lodging tax in counties within the Alabama Mountain Lakes region, which includes DeKalb and its neighboring counties. These funds also support the printing of brochures, such as the recently updated “Hallelujah Trail” and “Mural Trail,” which guide visitors to historic churches and public murals across the county.
The Hallelujah Trail brochure highlights 20 historic churches that are over 100 years old and still in use. The Mural Trail brochure encourages travelers to explore DeKalb County’s 19 murals, providing an artistic journey through the region’s communities. DeKalb Tourism’s efforts are part of a broader collaboration with Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourism, which first introduced the Hallelujah Trail and Mural Trail brochures.
DeKalb County has expanded on these resources to create localized versions specific to its own attractions. Marketing Manager Kayla Worthey explained, “We’ve adapted their brochures to feature even more of what DeKalb has to offer. It’s a way to give visitors more insight into our unique culture and attractions.
” The DTVC is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.
m. For those visiting after hours, a QR code on the front door provides online access to visitor information. Additionally, A-frame signs outside the center promote upcoming festivals and events happening across DeKalb County.
For more information on local attractions, visitors can follow Lookout Mountain Alabama on Facebook or visit the website at visitlookoutmountain.com. DeKalb County continues to expand its tourism efforts, drawing in visitors with updated resources and enhanced visibility, making the region a top destination for travelers in Alabama.
.
