Mississippi Tourism Sees Record $17.5 Billion Contribution in 2023

Published October 8, 2024

Mississippi tourism impact reached new heights in 2023, breaking records and solidifying its vital role in the state’s economy. The recently released Tourism Economic Contribution Report revealed that Mississippi welcomed 43.7 million visitors, contributing a staggering $17.5 billion to the economy. This rise in visitor numbers has placed Mississippi as a growing destination, with tourism making a significant impact on the state’s financial health.

Governor Tate Reeves celebrated the state’s success at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Hattiesburg. “These record-breaking numbers highlight the momentum Mississippi tourism has,” Reeves remarked. “Mississippi offers so much, and it’s no surprise that people from all over are eager to visit and experience our state.”

Key Findings from the 2023 Report:

• Visitor Volume: Mississippi welcomed 43.7 million visitors in 2023, a combination of domestic and international travelers.
• Economic Impact: Visitor spending reached $11.5 billion, leading to a total economic impact of $17.5 billion.
• Job Creation: Tourism supported 133,880 jobs statewide, contributing $4.5 billion in wages.
• State and Local Taxes: Tourism generated $1.1 billion in taxes, reducing Mississippi household tax burdens by about $922.
• Daily Spending: Visitors spent an average of $31.6 million daily, enriching local economies across the state.

Mississippi Tourism Success

The report emphasized how Mississippi tourism’s impact supports local communities. Money spent by tourists directly funds businesses, sustains jobs, and generates critical tax revenue. “Every dollar spent by visitors supports jobs and generates vital tax revenue that benefits local communities,” said Rochelle Hicks, Director of Visit Mississippi. Without tourism, Mississippi households would face much higher taxes, underscoring the importance of this sector in the state’s financial well-being.

In 2023, the largest areas of visitor spending included food and beverage, lodging, recreation, retail, and transportation. Each category plays a crucial role in keeping Mississippi’s local economies thriving.

Impact on South Mississippi

The Mississippi Gulf Coast tourism industry is a $1.6 billion industry, accounting for one-third of the state’s total tourism revenue. Harrison County alone brought in a total of 22.5% of the $17.5 billion. Lodging contributed $703.6 million, Food & Beverage $625.2 million, Recreation $577.3 million, Retail $423.8 million, and Transportation $269.2 million, for a total of $2.5991 billion. In FY2010, the three Coast counties (Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson) accounted for $93 million, or about 43%, of the state’s total tourism capital investment (TCI). As of the end of 2022, the statewide hotel/motel inventory was 62,740, indicating a slight increase from the previous year. The Gulf Coast attracts millions of visitors annually, contributing significantly to local economies through spending on lodging, dining, entertainment, and other activities.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast tourism impact stands at $1.6 billion annually, accounting for nearly a third of the state’s total tourism revenue. In FY2010, the three coastal counties (Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson) contributed 43% of Mississippi’s tourism capital investment. As of 2022, the statewide hotel and motel inventory grew slightly to 62,740 rooms, indicating increased demand.

A Bright Future for Mississippi Tourism

Looking ahead, Governor Reeves and Rochelle Hicks both shared optimism about the future of Mississippi tourism. The state’s blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and hospitality will keep drawing visitors from around the world. Governor Reeves expressed that “by working together to promote Mississippi, we can continue to attract visitors and stimulate economic activity.”

With record-breaking visitor numbers and growing economic contributions in 2023, the future for Mississippi tourism is incredibly bright. Mississippi is more than just a vacation spot—it’s a destination with a lasting impact.

Final Thoughts

Mississippi’s tourism industry is booming, and the numbers tell a story of growth and prosperity. But as we all know, there aren’t too many places in Mississippi where you can consistently have a good time. Jackson, unfortunately, has become too dangerous for many, leaving people to look elsewhere—either to the college towns up north, Vicksburg for a roll of the dice, or down to the Gulf Coast. Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties have been the lifeblood of Mississippi tourism, collectively bringing in more revenue than all other counties combined.

However, with our coastal counties contributing such a significant portion of the state’s tourism revenue, one can’t help but wonder why we continually struggle to secure adequate funding for infrastructure improvements. I’ve spoken with our coastal State Representatives and Senators, and they share the same frustrations. They see the imbalance—where we generate millions but fight for scraps to enhance the very infrastructure that attracts these visitors.

Take “Cruisin’ the Coast” as an example: in just seven days last year, it brought in approximately $36 million to the Gulf Coast. That’s not small change. While I agree it’s important to ensure our sister counties receive funding to upgrade their infrastructure, the state needs to acknowledge the significance of this money tree that is Harrison County. If we don’t keep investing in our coastal tourism hotspots, we risk cutting off the very branch that’s feeding us. Governor Reeves and state officials must recognize the value of nurturing and growing this thriving sector, so it can continue driving our state’s economy forward.

The future of Mississippi tourism looks bright, but we must ensure that our most prosperous regions, like the Gulf Coast, get the resources they need to flourish even further.

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