The Mississippi Tourism Association (MTA) recognized the impact and accomplishments of the state’s tourism industry at its tourism awards ceremony held during the Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Jackson Convention Complex in Jackson, Mississippi, October 20-22, 2021. This annual educational and professional development event brought together around 200 tourism industry professionals from across the state as well as tourism partners from the surrounding region.
The awards program gives MTA the opportunity to recognize members who excel in various sectors of the industry. Awards were presented in 19 categories, each focusing on a different aspect of the hospitality industry or individual achievement.
“It is truly an honor to celebrate these members who work tirelessly for their communities. The competition was strong and that is a testament to the caliber of work being produced by our industry partners and the strength and competitiveness of Mississippi tourism,” said MTA Executive Director Danielle Morgan.
Tom Van Hyning announced three Mississippi Research-in-Action recipients as a part of the (MTA) Awards Luncheon. The Greater Starkville Development Partnership received a Research-in-Action award as they worked on estimating the economic impact of 2021 NCAA Baseball Regionals in Starkville—four-team Regionals and Super Regionals. This included lodging, food & beverage, non-gasoline retail purchases, etc. On Saturday, June 12, 2021, the largest Super Regional crowd in NCAA history—14,385—watched Mississippi State edge Notre Dame, 9-8, on the confines of Dudy Noble Field at Polk-Dement Stadium.
Director of Tourism Paige Hunt said, “Winning the Research In Action award is an honor because it recognizes our commitment to data driven strategies to promote tourism growth in Starkville: Mississippi’s College Town.”
