As the summer travel season approaches, Mississippi’s tourism businesses are facing a familiar challenge: not enough workers. From shrimping boats to museums, employers across the state’s Gulf Coast are scrambling to fill short-term and seasonal positions — roles that are critical during the busiest months of the year.
According to a 2023 report from the National Federation of Independent Business, 55% of small business owners in the tourism industry are struggling to find qualified workers during peak seasons. Many are responding by offering more flexible schedules and higher wages, with 60% reporting wage increases or signing bonuses in an effort to stay competitive.
