JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi’s tourism industry shattered records in 2025, welcoming 45.5 million visitors whose spending generated a record $18.9 billion in total economic impact across the state, Governor Tate Reeves announced Thursday.
According to the newly released 2025 Tourism Economic Contribution Report, conducted by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, visitors spent a record $12.4 billion in Mississippi last year. That activity supported a record 137,728 jobs and generated $4.8 billion in personal income for Mississippi workers.
Visitor activity also produced $1.2 billion in state and local tax revenue, helping fund essential public services — an estimated $1,081 in tax savings for the average Mississippi household.
“Mississippi’s tourism industry continues to demonstrate what is possible when we invest in the experiences, places and people that make our state unlike any other,” Reeves said. “In 2025, a record 45.5 million visitors chose Mississippi, contributing a record $12.4 billion in spending and generating a record $18.9 billion in economic impact. These results reflect the strength of an industry that touches every region and every county, supporting local businesses, creating opportunity for working families and strengthening our economy.”
The report found tourism’s economic contribution extends across all 82 counties, benefiting businesses and communities throughout the state — from the state’s musical heritage and historic sites to outdoor recreation, festivals, sporting events, culinary experiences and the hospitality Mississippi is known for.
“Tourism is an investment in Mississippi’s people, communities and future,” said Rochelle Hicks, director of Visit Mississippi. “The $18.9 billion economic impact generated by tourism in 2025 demonstrates the extraordinary value of this industry and the collective work happening across our state. From destination marketing organizations and attractions to hotels, restaurants, retailers and small businesses, our industry partners are creating experiences that bring visitors to Mississippi and turn those visits into meaningful economic opportunity.”
Hicks said Visit Mississippi will continue building on the momentum through strategic marketing, destination development and collaboration with industry partners, sharing Mississippi’s story with visitors across the country and around the world.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
