Tourism leaders attend Legislative Luncheon in Jackson recently


Thursday, January 27, 2011
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Tourism leaders attend Legislative Luncheon in Jackson recently

Pictured, from left: Senator Bill Stone, Holly Springs Tourism director Stephanie McKinney and Tourism assistant director Suzann Williams.

Stephanie McKinney, executive director of the Holly Springs Tourism and Recreation Bureau, and Suzann Williams, assistant director, attended the annual Legislative Luncheon in Jackson, on January 5, an event organized by the Mississippi Tourism Association (MTA).

“It was a wonderful luncheon and a great opportunity to thank our many legislators for their work,” said McKinney. “It also afforded me a great opportunity to meet many whom I’ve never met before and look forward to working with.”

At the luncheon, Mary Beth Wilkerson, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division, welcomed guests and legislators to the annual event, thanking local state legislators for their help in promoting tourism and economic development in the state of Mississippi.

Wilkerson also unveiled the state’s newest slogan: “Mississippi, Find Your True South.”

Kim Thomas, MTA president and Harrah’s Tunica sales director, spoke about the importance of tourism. “Tourists spent over $5.5 billion inside the state while over 78,000 Mississippians were employed within the hospitality industry,” said Thomas. “Payroll income from tourism employees amounted to some $1.63 billion last year and produced almost $405.5 million in general fund tax revenues and nearly $113.4 million in local tax revenues, a 12 percent increase from 2009.”

Travel and tourism is our state’s fifth-largest private-sector employer, with 7.2 percent of non-farm jobs directly connected to the travel and tourism industry. Thanks to the 19.5 million visitors in 2010, each Mississippi household received $362 in tax relief.

“Travel and tourism is one of Mississippi’s largest export industries, generating economic benefits across all parts of the state that directly affect each and every one of us!” concluded Kim Thomas.

For more information feel free to contact the Holly Springs Tourism and Recreation Bureau by calling 662-252-2515, dropping by our office at 148 East College Avenue or by visiting www.visithollysprings.com

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