The state of Mississippi continues to prove its place as a rising star in the tourism industry. In 2023, the state welcomed a staggering 43.7 million visitors, contributing an unprecedented $17.5 billion to its economy. These numbers represent record-breaking figures for the state, showcasing Mississippi’s growing appeal to both domestic and international travelers.
At the heart of these remarkable achievements is the dedication and vision of the state’s tourism industry professionals. Their efforts were honored during the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism, which took place this week on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. More than 200 tourism professionals from across the state gathered to celebrate the industry’s success, share ideas, and strategize for the future.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves addressed the conference, highlighting the pivotal role tourism plays in the state’s economic growth.
“Mississippi’s story is a story worth telling, and the tourism industry in our state does a fantastic job doing exactly that,” Governor Reeves said during his speech. He expressed gratitude to the tourism professionals for their continued commitment to promoting Mississippi as a must-visit destination.
Governor’s Conference on Tourism Returns to Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg, affectionately known as the Hub City, played host to this year’s Governor’s Conference on Tourism, marking a significant return to the city for the prestigious event.
Marlo Dorsey, Executive Director of VisitHATTIESBURG, acknowledged the honor and responsibility of hosting the event after several years.
“It’s been quite a long time since we’ve hosted this conference in Hattiesburg,” Dorsey said. “When you do this for a living, when you host conferences for a living, and you entertain guests to have all the people who are your counterparts around the state come to your city to see how you do it here, it certainly adds a little bit more pressure to what you’re already doing.”
Despite the pressure, Hattiesburg rose to the occasion, with the week-long event drawing praise from attendees. Tourism professionals from across Mississippi came together to exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and celebrate the immense growth the state’s tourism industry has experienced in recent years.
The conference culminated in an awards luncheon on Friday, where top performers in the state’s tourism sector were recognized for their contributions.
Celebrating Tourism Excellence: Hattiesburg Takes Home Top Honors
Hattiesburg and VisitHATTIESBURG were standout winners at the awards ceremony, solidifying their reputation as leaders in Mississippi’s tourism industry. VisitHATTIESBURG received two of the most prestigious awards:
- Destination Marketing Organization of the Year
- Public Relations Strategy of the Year
These awards recognized the organization’s efforts to promote Hattiesburg as a top destination for both leisure and business travel. Under Dorsey’s leadership, VisitHATTIESBURG has implemented innovative marketing campaigns that have not only attracted more visitors but have also strengthened the city’s brand as a key player in Mississippi’s tourism scene.
Dorsey expressed her excitement about the accolades, noting the importance of teamwork in achieving such success.
“We were just awarded the ‘Destination Marketing Organization of the Year’ award, and we took home the ‘Public Relations Strategy of the Year’ for the state of Mississippi,” Dorsey said. “So, we’re extremely excited.”
Mayor Toby Barker Honored for Leadership in Tourism
Hattiesburg’s success at the Governor’s Conference wasn’t limited to VisitHATTIESBURG. The city’s mayor, Toby Barker, was also recognized for his efforts in advancing tourism in the Hub City. Barker was awarded the Governmental Leadership and Tourism Award, honoring his role in fostering a pro-tourism environment in Hattiesburg.
Mayor Barker’s leadership has been instrumental in the city’s growth, both in terms of infrastructure and its ability to attract visitors. Under his leadership, Hattiesburg has seen significant investments in its cultural and recreational amenities, further enhancing its appeal as a destination for travelers.
In receiving the award, Barker emphasized the collective effort behind Hattiesburg’s tourism success, highlighting the contributions of local businesses, government agencies, and tourism professionals who have worked tirelessly to make the city a vibrant and welcoming place for visitors.
Tourism’s Record-Breaking Impact on Mississippi’s Economy
The economic impact of Mississippi’s tourism industry in 2023 is a testament to the dedication of tourism professionals and the state’s natural and cultural attractions. With 43.7 million visitors contributing a massive $17.5 billion to the state’s economy, tourism has become one of Mississippi’s most important economic drivers.
This growth is particularly impressive when viewed in the context of the challenges the global travel industry has faced in recent years. As the world continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mississippi has successfully positioned itself as a top destination for both domestic and international travelers.
Governor Reeves highlighted the significance of these figures during his address at the conference, emphasizing how the tourism industry benefits every corner of the state.
“Tourism doesn’t just benefit our major cities—it brings prosperity to our small towns and rural areas as well,” Reeves said. “It creates jobs, supports local businesses, and provides the economic foundation for our communities to thrive.”
A Bright Future for Mississippi Tourism
Looking ahead, Mississippi’s tourism industry shows no signs of slowing down. The state’s tourism leaders, including those gathered in Hattiesburg this week, are already planning for the future. From expanding marketing efforts to developing new attractions, Mississippi is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory in the global tourism landscape.
VisitHATTIESBURG and other organizations across the state will play a key role in this effort. With their award-winning marketing strategies and a focus on promoting Mississippi’s unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, these organizations are set to build on the successes of 2023 and continue driving growth in the years to come.
Key Takeaways from the Governor’s Conference on Tourism
As the 2023 Governor’s Conference on Tourism concluded, several key themes emerged that will shape the future of Mississippi’s tourism industry:
- Collaboration and Partnerships: The conference emphasized the importance of collaboration between public and private entities, tourism organizations, and local governments in promoting Mississippi as a travel destination.
- Innovation in Marketing: With awards for destination marketing and public relations strategies, it’s clear that innovation and creativity in promoting destinations like Hattiesburg are critical to attracting visitors in a competitive market.
- Investment in Infrastructure: As Mississippi’s tourism industry continues to grow, there is a renewed focus on investing in infrastructure, including hotels, event spaces, and transportation, to accommodate the increasing number of visitors.
- Sustainability and Community Engagement: Many discussions at the conference centered on how tourism can benefit local communities while preserving the state’s natural and cultural resources. Ensuring that tourism growth is sustainable and inclusive will be key to long-term success.
