Moss Point Considers Hotel Tax to Give Jackson Co. a Say in Coast Tourism

A vote from the Moss Point City Council could eventually affect anyone traveling to Jackson County. Travelers could soon see an extra charge on their bill. The Moss Point City Council is considering imposing a 2% tax on the hospitality industry.

Any person traveling to Jackson County and staying in a hotel or motel will pay this tax. The profits from the tax will go toward marketing for the Coast. Renee Areng, Executive Director of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, believes this tax will give Jackson County a seat at a table they’ve never been at. Areng says, “Right now, Jackson County doesn’t have a singular voice or doesn’t have a voice at the table in terms of marketing the Gulf Coast, and this would put Jackson County as part of our larger messaging opportunity for bringing visitors here.”

When the City Council was looking at whether or not to pass the tax, they made sure to do their due diligence. This included contacting one of the groups it will affect the most, the hotel and the motel industry. Billy Broomfield, Mayor of Moss Point, says, “I’ve spoken to the businesses in the area. I’ve spoken to the hotel association in the area and they all support it because they believe it’s going to be good for the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast.”

As the council looks into making this decision, they did take the traveler into consideration. They believe travelers will not be upset by the new charge.