WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau (JCVB), DBA Visit Jackson, is the official destination marketing organization for the Capital City. We promote Jackson as a premier destination for leisure travel, conventions, meetings, sporting events and group travel.
Visit Jackson is funded in part by a dedicated tourism tax. The current tourism funding structure has remained unchanged since the organization was established in 1983.
On November 3, Jackson voters will consider a referendum under Senate Bill 3328 that proposes:
An additional 0.5% on restaurant sales An additional 1% on hotel and motel room rentals
$20 Restaurant Purchase → +10¢ • $100 Hotel Room → +$1
WHY NOW?
Our role has grown. Our funding structure hasn’t.
Since 1983, Visit Jackson’s responsibilities have expanded beyond destination marketing. Today, our work increasingly intersects with economic development, education, community development, major events, quality of life and the overall visitor experience.
We are being invited to more tables and asked to play a greater role in conversations and initiatives that affect Jackson’s growth and its residents, all while continuing to compete for conventions, sporting events, group travel and leisure tourists.
As Jackson’s needs and opportunities have evolved, so has our responsibility to the community.
TOURISM MATTERS
11,000+ jobs in Hinds County
#4 industry in Mississippi
#2 tourism destination in Mississippi, second only to the Mississippi Gulf Coast
WHERE DOES THE REVENUE GO?
The tourism tax is collected on eligible sales at Jackson restaurants and hotels and remitted to provide dedicated funding for the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau, DBA Visit Jackson.
Revenue supports destination marketing, destination development and community engagement designed to attract conventions and tourists, generate economic impact and promote Jackson as a welcoming destination.
That work includes:
- Recruiting and servicing conventions, meetings and group travel
- Attracting sporting events and special events
- Marketing Jackson to national and international leisure travelers
- Promoting Jackson’s restaurants, hotels, attractions, culture and experiences
- Supporting destination development and the visitor experience
- Engaging residents and community partners in Jackson’s tourism economy
ACCOUNTABILITY
Tourism funding is subject to established financial oversight and transparency measures, including a board-approved budget, annual independent CPA audit and public record access.
ABOUT THE REFERENDUM
Before being placed on the ballot for Jackson voters, the measure went through the required local and state legislative process. It received unanimous approval at the City and State Senate levels, with only two opposing votes in the State House.
To pass, 60% of qualified voters who vote on the referendum must select “FOR THE TAX.”
ELECTION DAY • NOVEMBER 3, 2026
LEARN MORE IN THE VIDEO BELOW
HAVE QUESTIONS?
We want Jackson residents to have the information they need to understand the referendum.
Visit Jackson representatives are available to speak with neighborhood associations, civic organizations, businesses and community groups interested in learning more.
