Every summer tourism season has its challenges. COVID-19 wasn’t as much a problem as in years past. However, those on the front line of the industry say the economy played a number on South Mississippi.

Hotel occupancy has been up and down this summer tourism season, especially compared to last year.

“It has a lot to do with gas and inflation,” said Pearl Trinh, general manager of Quality Inn Biloxi. “Because everything has gone up, and I think that deters some traveling.”

That doesn’t mean business was bad.