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.
About the 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.
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
2025 William “Billy” Creel
2024 Robin Krohn David
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
2026 Membership Meetings
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.
January 12 – 5:30pm – Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum Biloxi
February 9 – 5:30pm – CTA
March 9 – 5:30pm
April 13 – 6pm
May 11 – 6pm
June 8 – 6pm
July 13 – 6pm
August 10 – 6pm Mississippi Aquarium
September 14 – 5:30pm INFINITY Science Center
October 12 – 5:30pm
November 9 – 5:30pm – Beauvoir, The Jefferson Davis Home
December 14 – 5:30pm
2026 Annual Fundraiser
Christmas on the Water Cruise Aboard the Captain Pete
Christmas on the Water 2026
December 5, 2026
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:
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.)
Click Here to complete the application form for consideration.
2026 Board Members
President
Sonja Gillis, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
sgillis@lmdc.org
Vice President – Marketing
Nicole Martz, Mississippi Aquarium
nmartz@msaquarium.org
Vice President – Membership
Jenny Johnston, Gulf Coast Eco Tours
jenny@gulfcoastecotour.com
Treasurer
Jim King, Northstar Sailing Sailing Charters
northstarsailingcharters@gmail.com
Secretary
Janice Jones, Hancock Chamber
janicej24@outlook.com
Past President
Louis Skrmetta, Ship Island Excursions
lpskrmetta@gmail.com
Board Members
Michelle Anderson, Infinity Science Center
MAnderson@visitinfinity.com
Brandon Boudreaux, Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum
brandon@maritimemuseum.org
Jason Smith, Beauvoir
jsmith@beauvoir.org
Suzanne Stafford, Faery Ball & Treasures Market
suzanne@faery-ball.com