Tourism reaps billions of dollars for Mississippi

Tourism is up in Mississippi and officials with the Mississippi Development Authority said this contributes to the growth and stability of the state’s economy.

Special To The Mississippi Link

JACKSON – Tourism in Mississippi, the fifth-largest private sector employer and one of the largest export industries, continues to positively impact the state’s economy. The industry generated expenditures of $5.97 billion from 20.8 million visitors in fiscal year 2011 (July 2010 – July 2011). During that same period, tourism contributed $438.4 million to the state’s tax coffers. These and other figures are available in the latest edition of the “Travel and Tourism Economic Contribution Report: True Results” published by the Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division.

“Total visitors and visitor expenditures are up from the previous fiscal year. Mississippi has successfully braved both economic challenges and natural disasters, which is encouraging news for the tourism industry and the state as a whole,” said Mary Beth Wilkerson, director of MDA Tourism. “A strong tourism industry is essential to the growth and stability of the state’s economy. We must continue to work diligently to promote the state’s abundant resources, attractions, events and talent to keep visitors coming – and returning – for both leisure and business travel.”

Other highlights from this year’s report include:

  • 2.46 million persons were served at the state’s 12 (now 13) Welcome Centers
  • Over 49,300 Welcome Center registrants were international travelers
  • Travel and Tourism comprised 4.0% of the state Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
  • Average visitor stay was 2.9 nights

Wilkerson added, “Tourism generates over 82,000 direct jobs and countless indirect jobs across Mississippi. That represents a substantial and tangible return on our marketing efforts and one reason we continue to develop strategies to expand tourism in all areas, including golf, outdoors, conventions and the international market.”

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