Alabama's tourism department ranked best in South
Alabama's tourism department has been named the best in the South for the third time in four years by the Southeast Tourism Society.

The Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel was nominated for its Year of Alabama Arts campaign.

"When you consider that our tourism agency's budget ranks 11th among the 12 Southern states, this recognition is that much more impressive," Gov. Bob Riley said in a statement.

The agency won for campaigns focusing on gardens in 2004 and food in 2005. The Southeast Tourism Society is a nonprofit organization promoting tourism within its member states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

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