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To our newcomers and visitors: The Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau recently did its first consumer research since the storm which so significantly impacted our community. We wanted to know what people like you thought of our area. Well, the news we received is phenomenal! First of all, almost everyone in the pool of over 3000 on-line interviewees knew that the Mississippi Gulf Coast had been through Hurricane Katrina and that there were casinos here. More importantly, the folks surveyed were very enthusiastic about all the activities available to do here. Whether it is being part of a special event, like Cruisin’ the Coast (which just occurred) or Gulf Coast Mardi Gras and our power boat races, Smokin’ the Sound (which are literally just on the horizon) or any of our daily choices for relaxation, people really like being here. Faced with choices including championship golf, record deep sea fishing, luxurious spas and lodging or a myriad of dining and shopping choices, our visitors and newcomers now associate the Mississippi Gulf Coast with words like “exciting,” “affordable,” and “hospitable.” Conversely, other words like “boring” and “dangerous” were among those least associated with our area. This research and the obvious availability of so many vacation activity choices to be done as our visitors chose generated our new advertising approach, “Relax, it’s the Mississippi Gulf Coast.” You’ll find one of our new ads in this magazine, too. We guarantee that you are now in a community that will only continue to grow as a vacation, second-home, and permanent residence destination. The plans for new condominiums, golf courses, restaurants, shopping, hotels, casinos, marinas, entertainment, air service, and many more assets will only enhance the quality of life and visitor experience here. In December 2007 alone, for example, new air service is being introduced to both Chicago and Columbus OH , as well as St. Petersburg FL continuing to Newark NJ, bringing our available seats from Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport to 130% of service prior to the storm with nine carriers serving us over the five we had in August 2005. That’s tremendous growth—with a spanking newly refurbished airport to boot! All of us who have already chosen to make the Mississippi Gulf Coast our home over the years welcome you to our shores. We especially want to welcome back any of you who have been here previously in the last two years as volunteers or who have come at the recommendation of someone else who helped us and suggested your visit. I look forward to seeing you in the neighborhood!Yours truly, |
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