The capitol city's tourism agency could be disbanded after a state watch dog agency's report. MPB's Desare Frazier explains.
State Senator John Horhn of Jackson, is concerned about how decisions are made at Visit Jackson, the capitol city's convention and visitor's board. He wants Mississippi's capitol city to be a bustling tourism spot bringing in millions of dollars from convention goers and tourists. A report by the Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review or PEER, found revenues have been flat since 2015 at $3.5 million.
"They sponsored a rhythm and blues festival, an event for Jackson, that really didn't get off the ground. But they stuck with it for five years and they lost $3.5 million dollars," said Horhn
Horhn held a hearing at the capitol about the review. Visit Jackson is funded by tourism taxes. The agency is supposed to be reauthorized during the upcoming legislative session which begins in January. Horhn says that depends on what the agency does to address its problems. Steve Powell with Destination Services conducted the study. His list of recommendations includes bringing more events to the convention center, better communication and
"Well I think that they need to stream line their operations a little bit more, the bureau, so that there's not as much money being spent on administration, administrative tasks and up their game on marketing expenditures, advertising expenditures," said Powell.
Safiya Omari, chief of staff for Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba, is pleased with the report.
"I think it will help us as we try to pull together to improve tourism as well as to improve the functions of the Jackson convention center," said Omari.
There is a new interim president of Visit Jackson and Omari says they're already making changes.
