Visit Jackson Celebrates 'Future of Travel' During National Travel & Tourism Week

Visit Jackson celebrates National Travel & Tourism Week – the Future of Travel - May 1 -7 with a slate of events and activities designed to spotlight the collective strength of the local and national hospitality industry.

At a press conference held on Tuesday, May 3, the capital city's destination marketing organization (DMO) touted tourism numbers including Visit Jackson's support of meetings and events prompting $66.5 million in direct traveler spending, a 433% tax return on total DMO public funding, and a 1,348% return on operating costs.

The 2022 Miss Jackson Hospitality, Hailey Warren and Little Miss Jackson Hospitality, Violet Goodman, were also introduced and industry stakeholders were invited to an afternoon presentation with Erik Evjen, Director of Data Analytics from Tourism Economics.

The week's highlight is the Capital Area Tourism Summit, being held Wednesday, May 4, at the Jackson Convention Complex, a comprehensive educational opportunity that allows the local tourism community opportunities for exposure to national tourism trends and best practices. Two-time Pulitzer finalist, author, speaker, radio host, and syndicated editorial cartoonist, Marshall Ramsey, will be the keynote speaker.

"We are honored to host the second Capital Area Tourism Summit to celebrate and amplify the impact of the future of travel," said Dr. Rickey Thigpen, President and CEO of Visit Jackson. "The hope for the summit is to maximize effectiveness and productivity for the collective hospitality industry, which has proven to be resilient during a global pandemic. It's time for us to grow and continue to thrive as we enter an endemic stage."

Other activities slated for the week include:

• Visit Jackson's City With Soul Spotlight Series event at the JXN Welcome Center (Thursday, May 5, 11 am – 1:30 pm), featuring a food truck and live music
• A community service project for Good Samaritan Center, culminating with a donation drop-off on Friday
• Saturday's Mississippi Makers Fest at the Two Mississippi Museums, where industry employees will be treated to lunch.

"Visit Jackson is an amazing organization that spreads all good things, Jackson," said Kathy Clem, CEO of The Good Sam. "They shine a light on all the fabulous events happening, fantastic organizations doing good stuff and amazing things available in our capital city. We are thrilled they will be collecting donations on our behalf."

Tourism is the fourth largest industry in Mississippi, generating $6.7 billion in visitor spending in 2021 – just one year after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Tourism Economics, in September 2021, Mississippi was number one in the nation for tourism recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the state experienced less loss than other states.

Visit Jackson Director of Communications Yolanda Clay-Moore added, “Visit Jackson recognizes the future of travel and the critical role our industry will play in rebuilding our local economy, fostering sustainability, ushering in innovations and reconnecting Americans to each other and the world.”