Visit Jackson Marks National Travel & Tourism Week with $1.3 Billion Economic Impact

Visit Jackson proudly joins destinations across the country in celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW), May 3–9, 2026, recognizing the essential role travel plays in powering local economies, strengthening communities, and connecting people to the places and stories that define the American experience.

This year’s observance carries added significance as the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary. Under the theme Postmarked Jackson, Mississippi: Where America's History Lives, Visit Jackson is positioning the capital city not only as a destination, but as a place where the nation’s history, culture, and future intersect.

“Travel is essential because it connects people to places that matter,” said Rickey Thigpen, President and CEO of Visit Jackson. “Jackson is one of those places. Our city reflects a collective ambition to preserve our history, celebrate our culture, and create meaningful experiences that resonate far beyond our borders.”

National Travel & Tourism Week, established in 1983, highlights the impact of travel on the U.S. economy and its role in fostering connection and opportunity. According to the U.S. Travel Association, travel generates $3 trillion in economic output and supports 15 million jobs nationwide, underscoring its significance as a foundational industry.

Locally, tourism continues to serve as a vital economic engine for Jackson, supporting small businesses, sustaining jobs, and driving community development. At the same time, the city’s value extends beyond economics.

According to the most recent available figures, tourism generated approximately $1.3 billion in visitor spending in Jackson and Hinds County, including $267.6 million in food and beverage, $208.5 million in recreation, $166 million in lodging, and more than $230 million in retail and transportation combined. Visit Jackson secured 218 conventions and events in 2024–2025, drawing more than 1.1 million attendees and generating an estimated $100 million in economic impact. In fiscal year 2024–2025, tourism activity produced $30.6 million in local tax revenue, dollars paid largely by visitors that help fund infrastructure, public safety, and city services for Jackson residents.

As the birthplace of pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement, Jackson offers visitors a powerful and authentic lens into the American story. Institutions such as Jackson State University and Tougaloo College have shaped generations of leaders and served as centers of courage and activism, continuing to influence the nation.

Jackson’s impact is also reflected through its people. From Bennie G. Thompson, a Tougaloo College graduate whose leadership has helped shape national policy, to Angie Thomas, a Belhaven University alumna whose work has sparked global conversations around justice and identity. Jackson continues to produce voices that influence the cultural and civic fabric of the nation through leaders like David Baria, a Millsaps College Alumnus. The legacy of Walter Payton, a graduate of Jackson State University, further reflects the city’s ability to cultivate excellence that resonates on a national stage.

Throughout the week, Visit Jackson will host a series of events that celebrate the people and partnerships that power the local tourism industry, including this press conference that crowned a new Miss and Little Miss Jackson Hospitality, an industry appreciation event, the Hometown Hero and S.U.M.I.T.T. Awards, and a co-branded networking mixer aligned with National Economic Development Week.

“National Travel & Tourism Week provides an opportunity to recognize the individuals and organizations who make Jackson a welcoming and competitive destination,” Thigpen added. “It also allows us to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that Jackson’s story continues to be told, experienced, and shared with the world.”

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Jackson stands ready to welcome visitors seeking not only a destination, but a deeper understanding of the people, places, and movements that continue to shape the nation.

During the press conference, Jaleah Gray was crowned as the new Miss Jackson Hospitality. The Terry High School senior with a 3.8 grade point average is a part of the National Honor Society, a member of the National Society of High School Scholars Honor Student, and advanced academic student and high school honor student. She desires to become a successful professional athletic trainer because helping people is her passion.

Jessi Lynn Turner was also crowned as the new Little Miss Jackson Hospitality. Jessi Lynn is a student at Wilkins Elementary and enjoys dancing, riding her bike, taking care of her little brother, spending time with family and watching YouTube.

For more information about National Travel & Tourism Week, visit U.S. Travel Association at ustravel.org/NTTW.