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From: News Release 6/14/08 GCN GULFPORT/BILOXI - With prices at the pump soaring, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is doing its part to make summer travel a bit easier on the family budget. Families visiting the Mississippi Gulf Coast between June 15 and September 1 will receive a $50.00 gas voucher with a minimum two night stay at participating hotels. By calling 1-888-216-1552, visitors can make advance reservations and, upon check-in at their hotel, will receive a Kangaroo gas card valued at $50.00. The promotion is a partnership between the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Mississippi Hotel & Lodging Association. “To make this promotion successful, we recognized the need to reach out to our community partners,” says Nicole Learson, director of marketing for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau. As gas prices top $4.00 a gallon, many families are planning a “stay-cation”, preferring to stay close to home and vacation in regional destinations in their “backyards”. In a national survey conducted by the Travel Industry Association earlier this year, 41% of respondents stated that their travel plans would be affected by rising gas prices. Of those respondents, 38% would drive a shorter distance. Linda Hornsby, executive director of the Mississippi Hotel & Lodging Association states, “During these challenging economic times, the gas voucher is a great idea.” The Mississippi Gulf Coast boasts 26 miles of man-made beaches, a wide variety of fishing options, history, art, and eco-tourism as well as gaming and golf. Hornsby adds “With all that the coast has to offer, we believe that the gas voucher incentive will be the impetus for visitors to book their trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where they will certainly return many times in the future.” “We are very appreciative of the Mississippi Hotel & Lodging Association’s willingness to partner with us and offer the $50.00 voucher.” says Richard Forester, executive director of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We invite families to rediscover the vacation of their childhood.” The Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a not-for-profit destination marketing organization charged with promoting South Mississippi as a tourism and convention destination worldwide. Its mission centers on attracting ever-increasing numbers of leisure, convention, sports and business visitors to the area. It is dedicated to maximizing the travel and tourism industry for South Mississippi.
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