Mission of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association

Emphasize the infinite variety of unique attractions, restaurants, shopping and recreational options available along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The goal of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association is to promote the coast as a year-round travel destination by fostering awareness of our distinct history, diverse cultural make-up, natural resources, and affordable vacation opportunities.  Through the combined efforts of its membership and in cooperation with other tourism related organizations, the MGCAA seeks to create an affordable marketing mechanism that allows joint advertising, networking and educational opportunities to better promote the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s tourism industry.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a hidden gem located along the Gulf of Mexico.  As a year round destination, the Mississippi Gulf Coast offers a diverse natural ecology and a plethora of family friendly activities.  The white sandy beaches, gaming, natural barrier islands, warm climate, historical sites, and family atmosphere make this landmass between Louisiana and Alabama a little slice of paradise.

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Early in 1994 the Harrison County Tourism Commission assigned a staff member to meet with area attractions to explore the idea of an attractions association. Monthly meetings were held to adopt bylaws and a meeting structure. By September 1994 the Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association began meeting at area attractions. The association printed a brochure and built a website with the hopes of educating residents about what activities the coast had to offer families. The association has expanded upon this beginning and has allowed numerous small businesses expand their advertising capabilities through cooperative partnerships.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association seeks to provide a lasting benefit to the members, community, and Gulf Coast.  Our team is dedicated to promoting the rich and diverse culture on the Gulf Coast.  The cornerstone of our achievement is within the connection of our members.  Sharing ideas through monthly socials, building friendships, and working together builds a team of knowledgeable business leaders to drive the economy throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast community.

Don Jacobs Award

Each year the Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association awards a member of our Gulf Coast community the Don Jacobs Award.  This award is for an outstanding citizen who has influenced tourism by creating new avenues for the industry.  Don Jacobs founded Marine Life, the Shrimp Train and much more along the MS Gulf Coast.

Award Winners

2023 – Myron Webb

2022 – J.J. Pierotich

2021 – Woody Bailey

2019 – Margaret Miller

2018 – Mahoney/Cvitanovich families, owners of Mary Mahoney’s Old French House

2017 – Rusty David

2015 – Pete Skrmetta

2014 – Bob Bennett

2013 – Jocelyn Mayfield

2012 – John Mladnich

2011 – Don Jacobs

On the second Monday of each month various members of our organization meet to share ideas and socialize.  If you would like to be placed on the agenda, host, or be a guest speaker, please reach out to our secretary.

 

March 11, 5:30pm – Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Gulfport

April 8, 6pm Hilton Garden Inn Airport, Gulfport

May 13, 6pm – Alice Moseley Museum, Bay St Louis

June 10, 6pm – Orh-O’Keefe Museum of Art, Biloxi

July 8, 6pm – Coast Transit Authority, Gulfport

August 12, 6pm – Biloxi Schooners, Biloxi

September 9, 6pm – Infinity Science Center, Pearlington

October 14, 5:30pm – Banana’s Mini-Golf, Gulfport

November 11, 5:30pm – MS Aquarium – Gulfport

December 9, 5:30pm – TrainTastic, Gulfport

Christmas on the Water Cruise Aboard the Captain Pete

 

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Christmas on the Water 2024

December 7, 2024

(Tickets will be on sale late October/early November)

Tickets are $50 per person (includes 2 drink tickets) and must be purchased in advance. Limited seating is available.

Hop aboard the Captain Pete and enjoy a wonderful cruise down the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You’ll join in the yearly Lights on the Water Parade in Biloxi. Enjoy breathtaking views when coastal boat owners adorn their vessels with beautiful lights in an historic event. A spectacular display of fireworks wraps up the boat show and a great evening of fellowship. Entertainment will be provided by Tri-Star Sound. Bring your dancing shoes!
Heavy hor d’oeuvres are provided aboard the ship and a cash bar is available (no BYOB or coolers please). Raffle tickets featuring great prizes from our members are sold at the dock and on-board the ship.

 

Refund/Cancellation Policy: This event is a fundraiser and no refunds will be issued.
Ticket Delivery: Rather than receiving a physical ticket, your name will be added to our Will-Call list. Please be prepared to provide a photo id on day of sale to pick up ticket(s).

 

For more information  please contact:

Janice Jones
228-806-0351
P O Box 7466, Gulfport, 39506

Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association Membership Application

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association, with members in Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties, promotes the attractions on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Have Fun on the Mississippi Gulf Coast” is our motto.

Become a partner in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association and receive the following benefits of membership:

Network  and connect with your industry at monthly membership meetings featuring special guests and speakers

Your attraction's information and profile listed on the Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association website

Discounted listing in the annual rack brochure distributed to state welcome centers, hotels, condominiums, email contacts, and more.

Opportunity to host a monthly meeting so other members can tour your facility.

Co-operative advertising opportunities that allow you to stretch your marketing budget.

Participate in a Member Spotlight program.

By becoming a member of this active association, you will bring you and your business a year of growth, new ideas, networking and participation in many progressive opportunities.

Annual Dues:  $125 for an attraction member / $150 for an associate member

(Note: Associate member is any business that is not an attraction but can benefit from attraction members or provide a service to members - hotels, advertising agencies, pr firms, media outlets, publications, etc.)

Please complete the following form for consideration.

Please remember to include the protocol of your web address. (http:// https:// etc.)

Primary Contact

Secondary Contact

About Your Business

Vice President of Marketing - Molly Shea

Molly Shea

Vice President of Marketing

Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art

[email protected]

Vice President of Membership - Suzanne Stafford

Suzanne Stafford

Vice President of Membership

Faery Court Masquerade Ball

[email protected]

Treasurer - Jim King

Jim King

Treasurer

North Star Sailing Charters, LLC

228-617-8057

[email protected]

Secretary - Janice Jones

Janice Jones

Secretary

Hancock County Tourism

[email protected]

Past President - Sonja Gillis

Sonja Gillis

President

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center

228-897-6039

[email protected]

Board Member - Louis Skrmetta

Louis Skrmetta

Board Member

Ship Island Excursions

[email protected]

Board Member - Robin Krohn-David

Robin Krohn-David

Board Member

Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum

[email protected]