Tourism Season 2018: Business on the rise

More people are pouring into South Mississippi as temperatures are on the rise.
News 25’s Toni Miles checks in with one long-time local tourism business and an out-of-town couple enjoying the sights and sounds here on the Coast.
Shrimp season isn’t open right now, but the 2018 tourism season is taking off for at least one Coast business. Michael Moore with Biloxi Shrimping Trip said, “Every year we see it getting better. This year was the best opening day that we’ve had. We actually sold the trip out on our first trip, our 10:30 trip, our 1:30 trip, we also did well. Good things to look forward to throughout this year, no doubt.”
The Biloxi Shrimping Tour Trip launched its first trip this year, the third week of February, and owner Michael Moore says there’s been a steady stream of business ever since. The weather, of course, has a lot to do with it. “When I wake up in the morning, and if it’s cloudy or a little cool, we know it’s going to be a slower day. Warm, pretty, sunny days is what it takes in this tourist business,” said Moore.
It’s weather that drove Bob and Mary Stephey from their Ohio home to here on the Coast for an extended stay in their R.V. “Away from the cold and wet. The first month or so was a little cool in this direction, but it’s increasingly getting warmer. So, you’re out and about doing other things.”
This is the Stephey’s first time on the Biloxi Shrimping Tour, but rest assured they’ve made the rounds. “A couple of casinos for sure, the Maritime Museum, Jefferson Davis Home, that’s well worth the trip.”
While some Coast beach vendors and businesses have not yet opened their doors, it won’t be long until they do. The spring and summer time is when they reel in the most profits. “If everything keeps doing like it’s looking like it’s doing, we’re going to have a wonderful year this year,” said Moore.