Reports - Mississippi Renewal

THE GOVERNOR’S COMMISSION REPORT | 89for example, from the Walter AndersonMuseum of Art in Ocean Springs tothe boardwalk artists of Bay St. Louis,can be marketed to a targeted interestgroup, just as a Golf Trail is being marketedto golfers. A Hurricane Katrina“High Water Mark” trail could linkhurricane-related exhibits and attractionsand lead to the Katrina exhibit atthe Infinity visitors’ center at StennisSpace Center.■ The Governor’s Commission shouldpublish and distribute the recommendationsof the Commission related totourism industry stakeholders such ascasino owners, hotel owners, airlines,developers who should understandand be encouraged by South Mississippi’srecovery. Before they make thedecision to pull out of this marketor simply not enter the market, theyshould recognize these goals and plansand be a part of this unprecedentedrenewal.■ Local and CVB officials should workwith the state legislature to restructuretourism promotion and funding.The Tourism Promotion Commissionshould be created and newfunding sources considered, such as a1 percent F&B tax—to hit a goal of a$20 million annual budget to marketSouth Mississippi tourism.■ The state should use anniversariesof Katrina to call attention to SouthMississippi’s renewal. Through advertisingand stories in industry/tradepublications and associations, tourismofficial should demonstrate our progressby marking annual hurricane anniversaries.