Nov. 5--TUPELO -- Tupelo had slightly fewer tourists in the most recent fiscal year, but the economic impact from tourism-related activities grew 17 percent.

The figures were reported this week by the Tupelo Convention amp& Visitors Bureau in its annual report for fiscal year 2009, which runs from Oct. 1, 2008, to Sept. 30, 2009.

In 2009, area attractions reported 254,978 visitors, down slightly from the previous year's 257,518.

In 2007, the 272,150 visitors represented a high point because of the 30th anniversary of Elvis' death.

In the most recent fiscal year, Tombigbee State Park was the most visited attraction, followed by the Natchez Trace Visitors Center and then the Elvis Presley Birthplace.

Other tourism segments, such as sports events and trade shows, pulled their weight this year.

As reported by the Daily Journal last month, the CVB reported that total economic impact grew 17 percent from last year to $60.4 million for conventions, trade shows, special events, sports, weddings, reunions and arena events.

"Certainly, we're very pleased with the impact and the figures we had," said Linda Johnson, executive director of the CVB.

The biggest gains were in categories of trade shows, sports and special events. The other categories slipped in attendance.

In 2009, the CVB tracked six trade shows and expositions that attracted almost 94,000 visitors. The events had an estimated economic impact of $11.5 million, up from $7.9 million the previous year.

The CVB tracked 23 sporting events that drew almost 30,000 visitors and had an economic impact of $10 million, up from the previous year's $6.5 million.

With the decrease in visitors to Tupelo, sales tax collections also fell. The CVB collects money from a 2 percent sales tax on restaurants, hotels and motels. It budgeted for an increase of 3 percent for FY2009.

Sales tax revenues didn't quite hit the projection, coming in at $3.1 million, a 1.19 percent increase over the previous year. It's a relatively small growth compared to the 7 percent growth the previous year, but Johnson said she was happy it was still growing.

"With the economy the way it is, we were very pleased with this," she said.

The CVB board has budgeted for a 2 percent increase in the sales tax revenues for next year and Johnson said she's optimistic about the city's tourism industry.

"I'm feeling good about next year," she said. "We're working with a couple of large conventions. We're competing with New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, but I feel good about it ... Right now, I'm predicting a satisfactory year next year."

Contact Carlie Kollath at (662) 678-1598 or carlie.kollath@djournal.com.

Top Tupelo Attractions in FY2009

Tombigbee State Park 47,927

Natchez Trace Visitors Center 47,100

Elvis Presley Birthplace 46,653

National Fish Hatchery 31,472

Tupelo Buffalo Park amp& Zoo 28,063

HealthWorks! Kids Museum 18,524

Tupelo Automobile Museum 18,207

GumTree Museum of Art 13,650

Oren Dunn City Museum 7,658

Tupelo Veterans Museum 6,051

Elvis Lake amp& Campground 5,784

Brice's Crossroads National Battlefield 2,413

Total Attendance

254,978

A decrease of less than 1/10% over FY '08

SOURCE: TUPELO CVB

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