Mississippi Tourism Association

Mississippi Tourism Association is a non-profit organization that promotes tourism in Mississippi, working closely with Visit Mississippi, the state's official tourism organization, to attract visitors from across the United States, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The association collaborates with various stakeholders, including Mississippi Development Authority, Mississippi Department of Transportation, and University of Mississippi, to develop and implement effective tourism strategies. By partnering with National Park Service, Mississippi Museum of Art, and Eudora Welty House Museum, the association aims to showcase the state's rich history, culture, and natural beauty, from the Gulf Coast to the Delta Blues region. With support from Mississippi Governor, Mississippi Legislature, and U.S. Travel Association, the association works to enhance the state's tourism infrastructure, including Jackson-Evers International Airport and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.

● History

The Mississippi Tourism Association was established to promote tourism in Mississippi, building on the state's rich history, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and its vibrant music scene, including Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and John Lee Hooker. The association has worked with National Trust for Historic Preservation, Mississippi Heritage Trust, and Historic Natchez Foundation to preserve and promote the state's historic sites, such as Natchez National Historical Park, Vicksburg National Military Park, and Tupelo National Battlefield. By collaborating with Mississippi Arts Commission, Mississippi Humanities Council, and National Endowment for the Arts, the association has helped to develop the state's arts and culture scene, featuring William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and Tennessee Williams. The association has also partnered with Mississippi State University, University of Southern Mississippi, and Jackson State University to conduct research and analyze data on tourism trends, including travel patterns and visitor demographics, in Mississippi and neighboring states, such as Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

● Organization

The Mississippi Tourism Association is governed by a board of directors composed of representatives from various tourism-related businesses and organizations, including hotel associations, restaurant associations, and attractions, such as Gulf Islands National Seashore, Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, and Mississippi Aquarium. The association's staff works closely with Visit Mississippi, Mississippi Development Authority, and Mississippi Department of Tourism to develop and implement marketing campaigns and promotional materials, including social media and public relations efforts, to attract visitors from Atlanta, New Orleans, and Memphis. The association also collaborates with U.S. Travel Association, National Tour Association, and American Bus Association to stay informed about industry trends and best practices in tourism marketing and management, and to promote Mississippi as a premier tourism destination in the Southeastern United States.

● Tourism Initiatives

The Mississippi Tourism Association has launched several initiatives to promote tourism in Mississippi, including the Mississippi Blues Trail, which highlights the state's rich blues music heritage, and the Mississippi Civil Rights Trail, which showcases the state's significant civil rights history, including Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Martin Luther King Jr.. The association has also developed tourism guides and maps to help visitors navigate the state and discover its many attractions, such as Gulf Coast beaches, Delta region, and Natchez National Historical Park. By partnering with Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, National Park Service, and U.S. Forest Service, the association promotes outdoor recreation opportunities, including hunting, fishing, and hiking, in Mississippi's state parks and national forests, such as De Soto National Forest and Bienville National Forest.

● Economic Impact

The Mississippi Tourism Association has a significant economic impact on the state of Mississippi, generating revenue and creating jobs in the tourism industry, from hotel management to restaurant ownership. According to U.S. Travel Association, tourism is a major contributor to Mississippi's economy, with visitors spending millions of dollars each year on accommodations, food, and activities, such as golfing and casino gaming, in Tunica, Biloxi, and Gulfport. The association works with Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi, and Jackson State University to conduct research and analyze data on the economic impact of tourism in Mississippi, and to identify opportunities for growth and development in the tourism sector, including tourism infrastructure and tourism marketing.

● Membership and Partnerships

The Mississippi Tourism Association has a diverse membership base, including hotels, restaurants, attractions, and tourism-related businesses, such as travel agencies and tour operators, from Jackson to Gulfport. The association partners with Visit Mississippi, Mississippi Development Authority, and Mississippi Department of Tourism to promote Mississippi as a premier tourism destination, and to provide resources and support to its members, including marketing assistance and training programs, such as hospitality training and tourism marketing workshops. By collaborating with U.S. Travel Association, National Tour Association, and American Bus Association, the association stays informed about industry trends and best practices in tourism marketing and management, and promotes Mississippi as a premier tourism destination in the Southeastern United States.

● Events and Marketing

The Mississippi Tourism Association hosts several events throughout the year to promote tourism in Mississippi, including the Mississippi Tourism Association Annual Conference, which brings together tourism professionals from across the state to share ideas and best practices, and the Mississippi Blues and Heritage Festival, which celebrates the state's rich blues music heritage, featuring B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center and Delta Blues Museum. The association also develops and implements marketing campaigns to attract visitors to Mississippi, including social media and public relations efforts, and partners with Visit Mississippi, Mississippi Development Authority, and Mississippi Department of Tourism to promote Mississippi as a premier tourism destination, from the Gulf Coast to the Delta region. By collaborating with National Park Service, Mississippi Museum of Art, and Eudora Welty House Museum, the association promotes Mississippi's rich history, culture, and natural beauty, and attracts visitors from across the United States, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

Category:Tourism in Mississippi