Jackson, Mississippi, Recognizes Power of Travel, New Miss Hospitality During National Travel and Tourism Week

National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) shines a spotlight on the U.S. travel industry’s essential role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and enhancing the nation’s global competitiveness.

Since 1983, NTTW has underscored the travel industry’s contribution to U.S. economic strength, community vitality and quality of life. In 2024, the travel industry generated $2.9 trillion in economic output, supported more than 15 million jobs and produced $190 billion in tax revenue—equivalent to $1,490 per household.

In Jackson, Mississippi the travel industry contributed $1.3 billion in visitor spending supporting local businesses and fostering long-term growth. This included $166 million in Lodging; $267.6 million in Food & Beverage; $208.5 million in Recreation; $137.8 million in Retail; and $93.8 million in Transportation. Additionally, tourism generated $30.6 million in local taxes and employed 11,434 people in Hinds County.*

Visit Jackson also reported that in 2024 the hotel Occupancy rate was up 10.8%, the Average Daily Rate (ADR) was up 2.0% and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPar) was up 13% according to Symphony Tourism Economics.

“Travel drives economic opportunity and strengthens our community,” said Yolanda Clay-Moore, Director of External Affairs, Partnerships and Alliances for Visit Jackson. “This National Travel and Tourism Week, we celebrate travel’s undeniable impact and reaffirm its importance in shaping our local economy and quality of life.”

Visit Jackson is celebrating the impact of NTTW with a vibrant lineup of events, including JXN Restaurant Week, a week-long celebration inviting everyone to explore Jackson's culinary scene to indulge in the diverse flavors that make the City With Soul truly one-of-a-kind. Other highlights of the week include an industry partner appreciation event, the unveiling of a destination masterplan for industry stakeholders, and a media mixer to recognize the media professionals who help share destination stories.

During NTTW, the 2025-2026 Miss Jackson Hospitality, Deanna Gladney, was crowned. Gladney is a junior Journalism and Media Studies: Integrated Marketing Communications major at Jackson State University with a 3.4 GPA. She is an Ameri Corps Jumpstart member, TULIPS Leader and volunteers for the Food Pantry. She aspires to work in brand marketing or UX/UI design when she completes her degree.

A new Little Miss Hospitality was also crowned. Demi Jade Zambrano is a creative nine-year-old who has been modeling since three. A student at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, she’s a violinist with the Mississippi Youth Symphony Orchestra and a member of the liturgical dance team at Anderson United Methodist Church. Demi enjoys music, riding her bike, drawing, and spending time with her family. She proudly calls herself an artist and embraces opportunities to express herself, learn new things and give back to others.

Visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about NTTW and visitjackson.com to learn details to participate in this week’s events.

* Source: Visit Mississippi 2023 Economic Contribution Report by Tourism Economics