VisitHATTIESBURG joined destinations nationwide in celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week, held May 3–9, recognizing the essential role travel plays in driving economic growth and strengthening communities.
VisitHATTIESBURG joined destinations nationwide in celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), held May 3–9, recognizing the essential role travel plays in driving economic growth and strengthening communities. The celebration follows a record-setting year for Hattiesburg’s tourism industry, with 2024 setting new highs in visitor spending, economic impact, and visitation, according to Tourism Economics.
In 2024, local tourism generated $914.3 million in economic impact, with $604 million in visitor spending, a 3.7% increase over the previous year. A total of 2.7 million visitors traveled to Hattiesburg, supporting 7,123 local jobs and reinforcing the city’s position as a leading destination in the Gulf South.
Nationally, travel generates $3 trillion in economic output, supports 15 million jobs, and accounts for 2.4% of U.S. gross domestic product. This year’s NTTW theme, “Postmarked: Essential,” reinforces travel as a cornerstone of economic vitality, leaving a lasting impact on communities across the country.
“Hattiesburg’s momentum is not accidental. It is the result of long-term investment, strong partnerships, and a clear vision for how tourism drives growth,” said Marlo Dorsey, CEO of VisitHATTIESBURG. “What we are seeing now is a community that understands its value as a destination and continues to build on that success. National Travel and Tourism Week gives us the opportunity to recognize the people behind that progress and reinforce the role tourism plays in shaping our economy.”
Throughout the week, VisitHATTIESBURG led a series of activations to recognize and engage local tourism partners. Hotels, attractions, and hospitality businesses were recognized during a partner appreciation luncheon and through on-site visits by the VisitHATTIESBURG team, while community-wide discounts encouraged residents and visitors to explore new experiences and support local businesses.
For the second consecutive year, VisitHATTIESBURG presented the Heart of Hattiesburg Award to outstanding hospitality employees across the community. Nominated by their organizations and peers, recipients exemplify the spirit of hospitality and go above and beyond in their roles to support Hattiesburg’s tourism success. Each honoree received a commemorative certificate and lapel pin and was named a Heart of Hattiesburg Ambassador.
2026 honorees included:
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.
Learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week at www.ustravel.org/NTTW.
For more information on this year’s winners or for information on Hattiesburg’s tourism economy, visit visithburg.org/press-media/press-releases/.
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ABOUT VISITHATTIESBURG:
VisitHATTIESBURG is the official Destination Marketing Organization for the City of Hattiesburg. Its mission is to grow the local economy through increased visitation and tourism promotion, elevating Hattiesburg as a leading travel destination in Mississippi and the Gulf South.
