FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Karen Beasley, Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381
EMAIL: karen@northalabama.org
AMLA’s Karen Beasley Named Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Association’s Tourism Promoter of the Year
Decatur, Ala. (November 18, 2025) — The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA), the official destination marketing organization for Visit North Alabama, is proud to announce that Karen Beasley, vice president of marketing and communications, has been named the Tourism Promoter of the Year by the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association (ARHA). The award was presented during the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner on November 10, 2025, at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel.
The Stars of the Industry Awards is an annual celebration honoring outstanding professionals in Alabama’s hospitality sector, recognizing exceptional individuals and teams in restaurants, hotels, tourism and hospitality management throughout the state. Beasley was selected for her exemplary achievements in elevating the visibility of North Alabama’s destinations, attractions and experiences through international sales missions, innovative marketing campaigns and strong industry partnerships. She played a key role in launching the North Alabama Patriot Trail and expanding the North Alabama Waterfall Trail from 14 to 27 sites which attracted significant visitor engagement while strengthening regional tourism. She also created a “Unique Stays for a Unique Getaway” marketing campaign which successfully showcased one-of-a-kind lodging options across the region and resulted in increased bookings at AMLA’s member properties. In addition, she played a significant role in the launch of AMLA’s new accessibility initiative, helping position North Alabama as a more accessible-friendly destination for visitors with disabilities.
She also remains actively involved in the industry and local community. Beasley serves on the board of directors for the Huntsville/Madison County Hospitality Association, is a member of the Decatur/Morgan County Hospitality Association and the Tennessee Valley Chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association and volunteers with the Woody Williams Foundation and Vets Like Us.
“Karen’s dedication to showcasing all that North Alabama has to offer is unmatched,” said AMLA President/CEO Tami Reist. “Her passion for connecting visitors with authentic, memorable experiences has strengthened our region’s reputation and supported the hospitality businesses that make our communities thrive. We are incredibly proud to see her talent recognized on a statewide level.”
For more information on the ARHA and the Stars of the Industry Awards, visit https://arhaonline.com/stars-of-the-industry/.
For more information about AMLA and things to see, do and experience in North Alabama, visit www.NorthAlabama.org.
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About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)
AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the $4.9 billion North Alabama travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is supported by 500-plus members consisting of chambers of commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, golf courses, restaurants, accommodations and vendors. Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available by calling 800.648.5381, by visiting www.NorthAlabama.org and by following us on social media @VisitNorthAL.
