Mississippi Welcomed 44.2 Million Visitors in 2024: Annual Tourism Economic Contribution Report Highlights Tourism Industry’s $18.1 Billion Impact
Jackson, Miss. — Visit Mississippi Director Rochelle Hicks announced the release of the 2024 Tourism Economic Contribution Report during the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Vicksburg on Friday, sharing that the state welcomed a record 44.2 million visitors in 2024. This increase in tourism generated an impressive $18.1 billion contribution to Mississippi’s economy.
Conducted by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, the annual report provides a comprehensive analysis of tourism’s economic impact in Mississippi for the calendar year.
“Tourism is one of Mississippi’s greatest success stories. It continues to be one of Mississippi’s most powerful economic engines, showcasing our unmatched hospitality, culture, and natural beauty to the world,” said Governor Tate Reeves.
“These remarkable numbers are more than statistics—they represent hardworking Mississippians whose livelihoods are strengthened by the travel and tourism industry. They reflect the charm of our communities, the vibrancy of our cultural heritage, and the growing recognition of Mississippi as a premier destination.”
Key Highlights from the 2024 Tourism Economic Contribution Report:
- Visit Volume: Mississippi welcomed 44.2 million domestic and international visitors in 2024.
- Visitor Spending: $11.9 billion in visitor spending, an increase of 3.2%, generated a total economic impact of 18.1 billion.
- Job Creation: The total economic impact sustained 136,094 jobs, translating to one-in-13 jobs in the state, and providing $4.6 billion in labor income for Mississippians.
- State & Local Taxes: Visitor activity generated $2.2 billion in government revenues in 2024, with state and local taxes alone topping $1.1 billion, allowing for additional investment in the education, infrastructure and public services every Mississippi household deserves.
- Key Spending: Top categories included food and beverage, lodging, recreation (which increased 5.8%,) followed by retail.
“Tourism is more than numbers — it’s about people, places, and pride,” said Visit Mississippi Director Rochelle Hicks. “When visitors come to Mississippi, they’re not just spending money— they’re investing in our communities. From the local businesses they support to the jobs they help sustain, tourism touches lives across our state. In 2024, 44.2 million visitors helped fuel our economy, strengthened our workforce, and brought new energy to the places we call home. That kind of impact is something every Mississippian can relate to and celebrate.”
Click here to view the complete 2024 Tourism Economic Contribution Report.
About Visit Mississippi:
Celebrated as The Hospitality State and proudly known as the Birthplace of America’s Music, Mississippi invites visitors to experience a rich tapestry of culture, history, and unforgettable adventures. From the soulful sounds of the Delta to the serene beauty of the Gulf Coast and Appalachian foothills, Mississippi is a destination where every journey tells a story.
Visit Mississippi, a division of the Mississippi Development Authority, serves as the state’s official destination marketing organization. As storytellers and cultural ambassadors, we champion Mississippi through strategic global marketing, innovative partnerships, and creative collaboration. Our mission is to elevate the state’s thriving tourism economy and inspire visitors from around the world to discover the magic that is Mississippi.
For more information, visit visitmississippi.org.
