After more than 14 years of legalized gambling, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is a popular destination that draws visitors from Georgia, Florida, Texas and Missouri.
“But now, with attractions like world-class museums and brands like the Hard Rock cropping up, the Coast may be the closest thing to Vegas anywhere in the US,” writes Successful Meetings.
That applies to both convention and leisure visitors. For example:
• The Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center is on its way to a $68 million expansion that will add up to 200,000 square feet to its current 120,000 square feet.
• A study to determine the Gulfport’s feasibility to expand its cargo business to cruise shops was recently completed with officials attempting to move into that business.
• The Isle of Capri is due soon to unveil a $79 million, 400-room hotel expansion with 20,000 square feet of meeting space.
• Two new hotels, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi, are opening this summer.
Report by David Wilkening
