The Mississippi Tourism Association (MTA) recognized the impact and accomplishments of the state’s tourism industry at its annual Tourism Awards Program, held during the Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Vicksburg Convention Center in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Oct. 1-3. The annual educational and professional development event brought together approximately 250 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 20 categories, each focusing on a different aspect of the hospitality industry or individual achievement.
Left to right: Visit Mississippi Director Rochelle Hicks, Starkville Director of Tourism Paige Hunt, Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann
“We are honored to recognize these outstanding professionals whose dedication continues to elevate their communities and our entire industry. Each award reflects not only remarkable individual achievement but also the strength and momentum of Mississippi tourism. As we look ahead, I’m inspired by the talent, passion, and collaboration that will continue driving our state forward and growing our economy,” said MTA Executive Director, Danielle Morgan.
This year’s Tourism Promotion of the Year award was presented to the Visit Starkville 101 Brand Campaign. The Tourism Promotion Award honors a specific promotional campaign that is innovative and successful in attracting visitors to a destination, attraction, hotel, venue, or event.
Recognized for its fresh, strategic, and highly creative approach to branding Mississippi’s College Town, Visit Starkville’s 101 brand campaign embraced the idea of living in the moment. A modular, college-inspired design system tied dining, shopping, culture, and sports to a playful academic theme, with lines like “Intro to Flavor Theory” and “Advanced Leisure Studies.” With messaging such as “Take a masterclass in taking it easy,” the campaign captured the city’s joyful spirit and broad appeal. Deployed across digital, print, social, and out-of-home, the promotion delivered strong engagement and positioned Starkville as a top small-town getaway. It is a standout example of how smart creative can change perceptions, drive results, and uplift the brand of an entire destination.
“We are proud to celebrate the outstanding individuals and organizations who have made such a meaningful impact on Mississippi’s tourism industry this year. We have incredibly strong tourism industry professionals representing our state’s 4th largest industry, and those recognized this year are no exception. Their dedication, creativity and hard work not only strengthen our communities but also inspire visitors to experience the very best of what our state has to offer. These award winners set the standard for excellence in tourism, and we are honored to recognize their achievements,” said Laura Beth Strickland, 2025-2026 President of MTA.
