Coastal Mississippi thanks you

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Learn more about our team's road to recovery.

Valued Partner,

First, our hearts go out to our friends in Louisiana and Texas. Coastal Mississippi is no stranger to the devastating impacts a hurricane can bring. As neighbors, we will aid in the recovery efforts of our Gulf region.

On behalf of the Coastal Mississippi staff and Board of Commissioners, I extend a heartfelt thanks to you, our industry partners, and our visitors for taking extraordinary precautions to keep our region safe during this unprecedented global pandemic.

In spite of the many challenges our area has faced throughout the last six months, the resilient nature of our destination and its people has truly shone. This is evidenced by the continuously low case numbers in our three coastal counties. Regional healthcare authorities have acted as true heroes to ensure the residents and visitors of Coastal Mississippi stay safe and healthy as we fight an invisible enemy. We appreciate the support provided by several of our healthcare authorities in developing our Coastal Mississippi Promise of health and safety.

As our partners, residents and visitors continue their commitment to keeping our community healthy by following recommended safety protocols, we are able to look forward to the exciting new developments coming to Coastal Mississippi. The upcoming opening of the Mississippi Aquarium on August 29 will invite our local community and visitors to explore a world-class hallmark attraction.

The impact of COVID-19 on Coastal Mississippi has been indelible, with the tourism economy suffering critically. Tourism is the lifeblood of our region, with the three coastal counties accounting for one-third of the state’s tourism employees, expenditures, and taxes.

Please understand that Coastal Mississippi is here to support our partners in your efforts as we rise up to our challenges together. We thank every single member of our wonderful community for everything they do to make our beautiful Secret Coast so special, and we truly believe that our strong community will emerge from this with an unmatched power to heal and rebuild together.

Finally, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team should you have any questions. We thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Respectfully,

Milton Segarra, CDME
Coastal Mississippi CEO

Our Coastal Mississippi Promise of health and safety draws from recommendations developed by leading agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), and the industry guidelines developed by the U.S. Travel Association.

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, we have supplied these best practices and standards to our industry partners, emphasizing the importance of employee and visitor safety. Please encourage your staff and guests to adhere to recommendations outlined by the CDC and MSDH. Some helpful tips are included below!

Save the Date for August 29, the opening of Mississippi Aquarium in downtown Gulfport. Opening on this date holds much significance for the state of Mississippi, as 15 years ago, Hurricane Katrina transformed our coastline. We once again transform the Coast making Mississippi stronger than ever.

Mississippi Aquarium is opening their doors to the public on this monumental day, representing a revitalization of Coastal Mississippi.

The Mississippi Aquarium team has implemented policies and procedures to create a safe experience for guests, staff and animals. See how here.

TripAdvisor has launched a new program: Travel Safe Initiative. This free program is available to hotel, restaurant, and attraction businesses listed on TripAdvisor that helps you communicate the steps you are taking to make for a safe experience to potential visitors.

Early research is showing that travelers are engaging with businesses who complete the Travel Safe questions at a much higher rate than those businesses who do not. Learn more here.

The Let’s Go There campaign led by U.S. Travel Association will inspire Americans to do what is exciting and productive: make plans to travel.

Launching on Tuesday, September 8, this integrated, multi-channel consumer campaign will fill the media ecosystem and create an echo chamber across the industry that will speak to those who are ready to travel now and to those still cautious. Learn more here!

Copyright © 2020 Coastal Mississippi, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
P.O. Box 8005
Biloxi, MS 39531

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