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As the summer travel season looms, Mississippi's tourism sector is once again grappling with the perennial issue of workforce shortages. With the state's peak tourist season being especially short, typically spanning June and July, employers across Mississippi's Gulf Coast are in a rush to fill critical short-term and seasonal positions. This shortage is being acutely felt in diverse areas, from shrimping tours to the management of local museums.
In an effort to tackle these challenges, businesses are thinking outside the box by providing flexible schedules and higher wages. According to the 2023 report from the National Federation of Independent Business, a notable 60% of tourism businesses have resorted to offering signing bonuses and improved wages to stay competitive.
Capt. Jenny Johnston, of Gulf Coast Eco Tours, emphasizes the difficulty of finding part-time workers who might be interested in longer-term opportunities. "It's really about finding the right fit - people who might have a background in theater or know their way around boats," she explains. Johnston's experiences reflect a broader trend within the industry, with nearly 48% of employers reporting they retrain seasonal staff each year.
Furthermore, the Mississippi Tourism Association, led by Danielle Morgan, suggests that diversifying offerings and cross-training staff are potential solutions to the strain of seasonal fluctuations. The goal is to extend visitation and thereby stabilize employment opportunities.
Despite these efforts, changing labor dynamics—such as the diminishing availability of student workers—are pressuring the industry to adapt. Strategies include increased reliance on retirees and volunteers to manage visitor influxes. The Biloxi Cruise Company, for instance, attracts a mix of students and retirees to maintain its operations.
David Houston of the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art acknowledges the crucial role volunteers play in managing visitor numbers during peak times. "Without volunteers, large events would strain our resources," he says.
As Mississippi's tourism industry evolves, it remains supported by dedicated workers who create memorable experiences for visitors. With innovative approaches and ongoing community support, the region seeks to sustain these pivotal cultural exchanges for many seasons to come.
For the full article, visit: [WDAM Article](Source)
Mississippi Tourism Faces Seasonal Staffing Challenges
As the summer travel season looms, Mississippi's tourism sector is once again grappling with the perennial issue of workforce shortages. With the state's peak tourist season being especially short, typically spanning June and July, employers across Mississippi's Gulf Coast are in a rush to fill critical short-term and seasonal positions. This shortage is being acutely felt in diverse areas, from shrimping tours to the management of local museums.
In an effort to tackle these challenges, businesses are thinking outside the box by providing flexible schedules and higher wages. According to the 2023 report from the National Federation of Independent Business, a notable 60% of tourism businesses have resorted to offering signing bonuses and improved wages to stay competitive.
Capt. Jenny Johnston, of Gulf Coast Eco Tours, emphasizes the difficulty of finding part-time workers who might be interested in longer-term opportunities. "It's really about finding the right fit - people who might have a background in theater or know their way around boats," she explains. Johnston's experiences reflect a broader trend within the industry, with nearly 48% of employers reporting they retrain seasonal staff each year.
Furthermore, the Mississippi Tourism Association, led by Danielle Morgan, suggests that diversifying offerings and cross-training staff are potential solutions to the strain of seasonal fluctuations. The goal is to extend visitation and thereby stabilize employment opportunities.
Despite these efforts, changing labor dynamics—such as the diminishing availability of student workers—are pressuring the industry to adapt. Strategies include increased reliance on retirees and volunteers to manage visitor influxes. The Biloxi Cruise Company, for instance, attracts a mix of students and retirees to maintain its operations.
David Houston of the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art acknowledges the crucial role volunteers play in managing visitor numbers during peak times. "Without volunteers, large events would strain our resources," he says.
As Mississippi's tourism industry evolves, it remains supported by dedicated workers who create memorable experiences for visitors. With innovative approaches and ongoing community support, the region seeks to sustain these pivotal cultural exchanges for many seasons to come.
For the full article, visit: [WDAM Article](Source)