Monday, a proclamation declares this week National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW) in Hattiesburg.
From the Hattiesburg Zoo to the Public Art Trail and dozens of local restaurants, VisitHATTIESBURG’s Marlo Dorsey says tourism is booming in the Hub City.
“When you take a look at the growth of Hattiesburg, the Hub City, over the last few years, a significant component of that has of course been tourism,” says Dorsey.
Dorsey says that Mississippi’s tourism industry grew almost 10 percent from 2022 to 2023.
The tourism industry in the state also raked in $7.5 billion dollars in 2023.
She says it’s one of the main employers in the Hub City.
“A lot of people don’t realize how many people in Hattiesburg are employed by the tourism industry, and in fact, it’s more than 4,000 people,” says Dorsey.
VisitHATTIESBURG announces this year’s theme for the week is “The Power Of Travel.”
To celebrate, VisitHATTIESBURG is hand-delivering snacks and other goodies to the front-line workers of the tourism industry.
“We just want to pause, and we want to say, ‘Thank You,’” says Dorsey.
“We want to say thank you for the good job you do. Thank you for taking time away from your family and your activities and your vacations to help people enjoy their vacations and their family time.”
Frank James III not only serves as the chairman of the Hattiesburg Tourism Commission, but he actually works on the frontline of the tourism industry.
“I’m the general manager of the Courtyard here in Hattiesburg,” says James.
“Here in Hattiesburg, tourism is powerful. From sports tourism, meetings, U.S. Army Air Force business, we are a very growing thriving city.
Our travel industry frontline people are what make our city grow and tick. Everyone has to come together to play a part to make sure that we present the city in a great way for all guests and all travelers.”
Both James and Dorsey hope they can continue to grow the tourism industry in the Hub City.
“This is a job creator. It’s also an enhancer of our community, and we just hope that we can continue to grow in a smart and intentional way,” says Dorsey.
“A lot of people say, ‘It’s just Hattiesburg.’ Well yeah, it is just Hattiesburg, but it’s a hidden gem here in the South,” says James.
In light of NTTW, VisitHATTIESBURG wants to give back to its local residents.
VisitHATTIESBURG, along with local partners, is offering two giveaways– a couple-focused giveaway and a family-centered one. Each includes a hotel stay, meals and activities, and is valued at more than $500.
VisitHATTIESBURG is also having a photo contest. To enter, participants must send in their favourite moments and memories from their time in Hattiesburg.
Locals and visitors are encouraged to participate. All submissions are due by May 31, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
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