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'-llie first year of the Hancock -'-'"'County Tourism Development Bureau proved to be a successful one, Carriere said.
The bureau was organized in October 1996 and began promoting the county shortly after with a summer promotional campaign called “The Hunt.” Tourists who stopped at the Mississippi Welcome Center in Hancock County were given cards to get stamped at different tourist spots in the county. Then, the visitors were to send those cards back to the bureau to aid the bureau in assessing how many tourists passed through the area. More than 11,000 tourists participated in the campaign, which began in
more ti its to the area, Carriere saicT.
In addition to promotional campaigns, the bureau will expand its advertising in regional and national magazines including Reader’s Digest, Texas Monthly, Harrison County’s Gulf Coast Fun Times Guide, Convention South Magazine and the Mississippi Travel Guide Magazine.
One of the most exciting events the bureau hopes to offer locals and tourists alike next year is a hot air balloon festival.
The bureau receives its $174,225 funding from four sources, including the Hancock
See HANCOCK, P. 3
C_/iere addresses group
■’wms'tsKr
New county logo
Item photo* by Tracy Dash
‘Hancock’ signs autographs
Hancock------------------------------ (Continued from p. 1)
County Board of Supervisors, The City of Bay St. Louis, Casino Magic and a two percent lodging tax. Advertising dollars are matched with grant money.
The tourism bureau consists of board members Bill Lady, Patt Cucullu, Mickey Jordan, Phil
Costantino, Clarice Gustin, Petie Hyman, Ray Kidd, Dick Stamm and Jeana Tribble, as well as executive director Carriere, bookkeeper/administrative assistant Tammy McKenna and volunteer Jane Byrne, who donates 12 hours a week to the organization.