Alabama's unofficial song becomes official tourism theme
ORANGE BEACH - The Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel has unveiled the phrase "Sweet Home Alabama" as the brand line to market the state as a tourism destination in 2008.

Governor Bob Riley announced the campaign Monday during the annual state tourism conference in Orange Beach. "The phrase is cheerful, happy and warm. It brings a smile to your face," Governor Riley said.

The new positioning line will be featured in the state's $4.5 million marketing program, using television and radio, print ads, and public relations, tourism director Lee Sentell said. The campaign symbol is a colorful red, blue, yellow and white logo with the words "sweet" and "home" flanking the stylized word Alabama.

The logo will also appear on the cover of the 2008 state vacation guide, officials said, with paper stickers of the logo distributed at the state's eight welcome centers during the summer.

WAFF, AL