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
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
2024 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.
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
2024 Annual Fundraiser
Christmas on the Water Cruise Aboard the Captain Pete
Christmas on the Water 2024
December 7, 2024
Tickets are $65 per person (includes 2 drink tickets) and must be purchased in advance. Limited seating is available.
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.
2024 Board Members
President
Molly Shea
Vice President of Marketing
Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art
community@georgeohr.org
Vice President of Membership
Suzanne Stafford
Vice President of Membership
Faery Court Masquerade Ball
suzanne@faery-ball.com
Treasurer
Jim King
Treasurer
North Star Sailing Charters, LLC
228-617-8057
info@northstarsailingcharters.com
Secretary
Janice Jones
Secretary
Hancock County Tourism
janicej24@outlook.com
Past President
Sonja Gillis
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
228-897-6039
sgillis@lmdc.org
Board Members
Louis Skrmetta
Ship Island Excursions
shipislandsales@cableone.net
Robin Krohn-David
Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum
schooner@maritimemuseum.org