Natchez, Vicksburg, Greenville tourism rollin' on the River

When it comes to tourism, things are rolling on the River. Natchez, Vicksburg and Greenville continue to welcome visitors despite rising fuel costs - and record-high water upstream.

Natchez

It may be too early to accurately gauge the effect of gasoline prices in Natchez because the pilgrimage

"We've been focusing on that and it's paid off," says Walter Tipton, executive director of the Natchez Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We don't see any drop off in those. Conferences are more stable than leisure travel."

Noting that the terrorist attacks of September 11 and the Iraq War have taken a toll on leisure travel, he says the city made the decision to focus on conferences and built a new convention center with the result that tourism-related taxes are showing a steady increase. Another blow to leisure travel came when Hurricane Katrina took the steamboats off the river.

"We are balancing conferences with other tourism," Tipton says, "and are seeing some new small restaurants springing up along with downtown shopping where there are some new antique and gift shops."

The city has had a small surge of population growth with some Katrina expatriates from New Orleans choosing to remain in Natchez. Tipton feels Natchez is just 18 months away from a more robust economy with the opening of the Grand Soleil Casino this fall. The Grand Soleil is building a new 123-mom hotel on the site of the old Ramada Inn, which overlooks the river. A third casino has also made public its plans to locate in Natchez.

If Tipton could add something to the tourism mix in his city it would be a water park to offer more fun for children. "We have traditional things such as fishing in our lakes and camping, but there are not pre-packaged things," he says. "Still, we feel there have been a lot of new things put in place in the last 18 months that people who haven't been here in a while should come see. We're a value - a great place to consider and get away."

Vicksburg

Further up the river, tourism is popping in Vicksburg where five hotels and a new casino are under construction. Located on the busy Interstate 20 corridor, the city presently has 2,400 rooms, 20 museums, 90 restaurants, four casinos, a huge national park and a revitalized downtown.

So far this year, Vicksburg National Military Park has had around 300,000 visitors, a number fairly consistent with last year, according to Patty Montague, a supervisor interpreter.

"Our numbers were higher before Katrina but have picked up in the past few months," she says. "New Orleans is back on its feet and the river boats are coming in again. Memorial Day this year was one of the busiest we've had in a long time. If that's any indication, the rest of the summer may be busier, too."

The American Queen and the Delta Queen, riverboats out of New Orleans, and a large river barge with guest accommodations are again making stops in Vicksburg on a regular basis.

Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) director Bill Serratt says Vicksburg is even with last year with hospitality tax collections. "I think it's because people are staying closer to home," he says. "However, we notice they are not spending as much money in gift shops and they are asking more questions about fast food restaurants."

The Vicksburg CVB pulled in its media plan to target a 300-mile radius, a tank-of-gas drive plan. "We're positioning Vicksburg as a destination, not just a pass through place," he says. "We're making this market shift to be proactive. We're focusing on the summer travel season and are very optimistic about it although we are definitely a player in hosting meetings, too."

Barry Graham, communications manager for the city, notes that in addition to the events, conferences and workshops, Vicksburg is known as a tourism city with visitors coming from all over the world.

"We have history, gaming, the river, a wide variety of places to eat and now we have a lot of places to stay with an upcoming addition of 500 rooms," he says. "We have a lot of mom-and-pop type restaurants, blues clubs and a new high-end lounge and restaurant in the Warehouse downtown."

With its brick streets and abundant history, Vicksburg's downtown area is resurging. "We're pleased as punch," says Rosalie Theobald, director of the Main Street program. "Visitors enjoy walking downtown more than ever now that we have benches, tables and chairs, a children's art park on the river and a rose garden at city hall."

Downtown currently has 45 living units located above retail businesses, and Theobald says renovations are continuing. The latest is the Warehouse Hotel, which she describes as "absolutely phenomenal." Local entrepreneur Robert Ware took three Washington Street buildings and convert-ed them into a high-end hotel, lounge and restaurant. The alley behind the property is being converted into a green space with a swimming pool and volley ball court.

Greenville

Greenville is a perfect place to get away from the stress of life and relax, says Lisa Winters, interim director of the Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau and lifelong Greenville resident.

"The river here has its own charm, and we have a lot to offer," she says. "We have a lot of history and the most gorgeous sunsets anywhere. It's a great place to get away."

The county now has 1,230 hotel rooms, including a new Hampton Inn, which opened May 1. A third casino, Harlow's, recently opened near the new Mississippi River bridge, adding live entertainment along with more rooms and dining options. The convention center is doing a brisk business with concerts, reunions and other meetings.

Winters touts the famous Delta Blues and Heritage Festival, which draws blues lovers from all over the world. The 31st annual event is scheduled for September 20 at the Delta Regional Airport.