Mississippi Welcomes Record 45.5 Million Visitors In 2025, Generating Record $18.9 Billion In Economic Impact

JACKSON, Miss. - Governor Tate Reeves today announced that Mississippi welcomed a record 45.5 million visitors in 2025, with tourism activity generating a record $18.9 billion in total economic impact across the state, according to the newly released 2025 Tourism Economic Contribution Report.

The annual report, conducted by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, measures the economic contribution of travel and tourism to Mississippi's economy and highlights the industry's continued role in supporting businesses, jobs, workers and communities throughout the state.

Visitors spent a record $12.4 billion in Mississippi during 2025, supporting a record 137,728 jobs and generating $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 throughout the state.

"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," said Governor Tate Reeves. "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."

Key Highlights from the 2025 Tourism Economic Contribution Report:

• Visitor Volume: Mississippi welcomed 45.5 million domestic and international visitors in 2025.
• Visitor Spending: Travelers spent $12.4 billion throughout Mississippi, generating a total economic impact of $18.9 billion.
• Jobs & Personal Income: Tourism activity supported 137,728 jobs and generated $4.8 billion in personal income for Mississippi workers.
• State & Local Taxes: Visitor activity generated $1.2 billion in state and local tax revenue, supporting public services and reducing the tax burden on Mississippi households. The taxes generated by visitors represented an estimated $1,081 in savings for the average Mississippi household.
• Statewide Impact: Tourism's economic contribution extends across all 82 counties, benefiting businesses and communities throughout Mississippi.

"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."

The report also reflects the broad range of experiences that draw visitors to Mississippi, from the state's musical heritage and historic sites to outdoor recreation, festivals, sporting events, culinary experiences and the hospitality for which the state is known.

"Every visitor who chooses Mississippi helps support the local businesses, jobs, places and traditions that define our state," Hicks said. "Through strategic marketing, destination development and collaboration with our partners, we will continue building on this momentum and sharing Mississippi's authentic story with the world."

Click here to view the complete 2025 Tourism Economic Contribution Report.