Cruisin’ the Coast Delivers Major Economic Boost to Mississippi Tourism

Cruisin’ the Coast, a weeklong classic car festival recently concluded along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, has significantly boosted the state’s tourism economy, according to Katie Coats, Chief Marketing Officer at Visit Mississippi. The event attracted 10,334 vehicles from 42 U.S. states and four international countries, marking a milestone in attendance. n nAn economic impact analysis conducted every five years previously estimated the 2021 edition generated $36.1 million for the state, up from $28 million in 2016. Coats anticipates the upcoming study will reveal even higher figures, reflecting expanded participation and spending. n nThe festival spans Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties, energizing local economies through increased patronage at restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets. Beyond direct financial benefits, Coats emphasized the value of positive media exposure and word-of-mouth promotion from out-of-state visitors who explore the region and share their experiences upon returning home. n nVisit Mississippi’s 2024 annual report revealed the state welcomed 44 million tourists, contributing $18 billion to the economy. Coastal events like Cruisin’ the Coast play a pivotal role in these numbers, reinforcing the region’s status as a key tourism hub. n nTourism ranks as Mississippi’s fourth-largest industry, supporting over 130,000 jobs statewide. Events that draw national and international attention are crucial to sustaining this economic engine. n
— news from WLOX

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Cruisin’ the Coast drives major economic boost for Mississippi tourism
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) – Cruisin’ the Coast, which ended a week ago, generated a significant economic impact for Mississippi with record-breaking attendance numbers, according to Visit Mississippi Chief Marketing Officer Katie Coats. n nThe annual event registered 10,334 cars from 42 states and four countries outside the U.S. n nRELATED: Cruisin’ the Coast wraps up record-setting 2025 full of classics and hot rods n nAn economic impact study on Cruisin’ the Coast is done every five years. The most recent from 2021 showed the event generated $36.1 million for the state, up from $28 million in 2016. n n“We know that this most recent study that’s coming up, it’s definitely going to be more than that,” Coats said. n nThe week-long classic car show spans all three coastal counties, with local restaurants, hotels, and shops seeing a big business boost. n n“It’s great, of course, with all this economic impact,” said Coats. “But we also love to see all the positive news coverage that comes out of it, outside of Mississippi, and all the great word of mouth and people taking drives through the state when they’re coming in and out and then bringing that back home and talking about the great time they had in Mississippi.” n nVisit Mississippi recently released its annual economic impact study for 2024, which found 44 million visitors came to Missisisppi, resulting in $18 billion in total economic impact. n nThe coastal region contributes significantly to the state’s overall tourism numbers, with events like Cruisin’ the Coast playing a major role. n n“We definitely see that the coast is contributing so much to those numbers for Mississippi, and events like Cruisin’ the Coast are a big part of that,” said Coats. n nTourism ranks as the fourth largest industry in the state, supporting more than 130,000 jobs. n nSee a spelling or grammar error in this story? Report it to our team HERE.

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