HATTIESBURG, MISS. (MAY 9, 2025) — VisitHATTIESBURG joined destinations across the nation to celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW), held May 4–10, 2025. This year’s recognition highlights tourism’s powerful role in growing local economies, creating jobs, and fostering a sense of place and pride in communities like Hattiesburg.
Since 1983, NTTW has underscored the travel industry’s essential contributions to the U.S. economy, supporting over 15 million jobs and generating $2.9 trillion in output last year alone. In Hattiesburg, tourism continues to flourish, with $582 million in visitor spending in 2023, a 6% increase over the previous year. With an $881 million annual economic impact, tourism directly supports more than 6,000 local jobs and continues to shape the Hub city’s identity as a premier destination in the Gulf South.
“Tourism and travel are significant economic drivers that strengthen our community,” said Marlo Dorsey, CEO of VisitHATTIESBURG. "We look forward to celebrating this week every year as an opportunity to reflect on our collective growth and to highlight the incredible contributions of our tourism partners, who have been integral to Hattiesburg’s success as a creative, year-round outdoor destination."
Heart of Hattiesburg Ambassador Awards
A new component to this year’s celebration, VisitHATTIESBURG created and presented the Heart of Hattiesburg award to 22 outstanding hospitality employees in the community. Each nominated by their organization, this recognition honors individuals who go above and beyond in their roles, embodying the spirit of hospitality and playing a critical role in Hattiesburg’s tourism success. Each honoree received a commemorative certificate and lapel pin and was named a Heart of Hattiesburg Ambassador.
2025 Honorees:
- Amber Hampton – Courtyard by Marriott
- Casey Taylor – The University of Southern Mississippi
- Cathy Baca – Hattiesburg Convention Commission
- Christina Chatman – Avid Hattiesburg
- Chuck West – The Lucky Rabbit
- Delaney Dukes – WDAM
- Frances Lucas – Holiday Inn Hattiesburg North
- Jackie Powell Jones – Wingate by Wyndham Hattiesburg
- Jennette Milligan– Holiday Inn Express – University West
- Jeremy Cumpton – Hattiesburg Zoo
- Jeremy Hunt – Pearl & Leaf Rivers Rails to Trails Recreational District
- Jess Hendry – Extra Table
- John Grace – Residence Inn by Marriott Hattiesburg
- Kassy Enelis Flores – Hampton Inn / Home2 Suites
- Lisa Pierce – Southern Oaks Venue
- Loletta Dunn – TownePlace Suites
- Mallorie Pittman – Front Street Eats
- Michael Marks – Hattiesburg Tourism Commission
- Michelle Hill – Hilton Garden Inn
- Scott Drennan – Forrest County Multipurpose Center
- Tammy Lanham – Hattiesburg-Okatoma River KOA
- Walter Adams – City of Hattiesburg
A Week of Local Engagement
To spotlight the many faces and facets of Hattiesburg’s tourism industry, VisitHATTIESBURG hosted a week full of activities, including:
- Live @ Five Tourism Kickoff (May 2): Mayor Toby Barker issued an official proclamation declaring May 4–10 as National Travel and Tourism Week in Hattiesburg. The event featured local music, chalk art, giveaways, and community thank-you note writing.
- Partner Appreciation Luncheon (May 6): Hosted at Ed’s Burger Joint, this annual partner appreciation lunch is a favorite of many. VisitHATTIESBURG thanked hoteliers, attraction operators, and tourism professionals with a meal.
- Tourism Gives Back Day (May 7): VisitHATTIESBURG and partners packed more than 2,500 pounds of rice for Extra Table, supporting food security across Mississippi. Extra Table continues to be a strong tourism partner, hosting events that drive visitors to Hattiesburg, such as the Farm 2 Fork Ride or Run fundraiser.
- Partner Blitz and Heart of Hattiesburg Awards (May 8–9): VisitHATTIESBURG staff visited numerous hospitality businesses to express appreciation and present awards.
- Community Discounts: Local partners, including Blooms Company, Dog Days 5K, Eagle Action Sportz, Longleaf Piney Resort, and Hattiesburg Craft Beer Festival, offered special discounts throughout the week.
- Heart of Hospitality Workforce Training Program: A Mississippi Tourism Association program, Heart of Hospitality seeks to educate and empower tourism partners who are the heartbeat of “The Hospitality State.” Those who complete the workforce training program earn the designation of “Certified Hospitality Expert.” VisitHATTIESBURG and local partners are encouraging all hospitality industry workers to complete the certification by May 18 to be entered to win select prizes. Those who wish to complete this free training can go to workforce.mstourism.com.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue engaging with local attractions and businesses year-round. VisitHATTIESBURG invites the community to explore more at visithburg.org and follow along on social media.
For more information on this year’s winners or for information on Hattiesburg’s tourism economy, visit visithburg.org/press-media/press-releases/.
