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Gas prices, economy may be reason for Pilgrimage drop
Published Friday, March 21, 2008
NATCHEZ —Spring Pilgrimage might not be the busiest this year, with high gas prices and economy woes, but it’s still a good turnout, officials said.
Jim Coy, director of Natchez Pilgrimage Tours, said despite these negative impacts, group tours and individual tours are only down by 5 percent.
“I’m going to attribute that mainly to increased fuel prices and secondarily to the economy,” Coy said.
Photo by Marcus Frazier
A group of tourists enters Longwood to catch the start of a tour Thursday afternoon.
High gas prices typically deter the visitors coming from the 100 to 200-mile radius, Coy said.
Director of Tourism Connie Taunton said gas prices affect the tour buses that come through.
“In the past, whenever motor coaches would come, they would sometimes come having 20 to 25 passengers,” Taunton said. “Now a lot of motor coaches, unless they have it full with 45 passengers, can’t afford to come.”
Expensive gas, coupled with the loss of tour groups coming from New Orleans, had made a decrease, Taunton said.
Coy and Taunton both said that a 5 percent decrease is not too bad, though.
What Coy does fear is the loss of the American Queen.
Once a week during Pilgrimage, the paddle wheeler docks, allowing its passengers to explore Natchez.
Coy said he fears the rising waters of the river might be an impediment to the docking of the American Queen.
Coy said regardless of the decrease, he is still pleased with the turnout and with the visitor’s positive responses.
“I just get such positive feedback from people who do come here that I’m always very proud of Natchez,” Coy said.
Anne MacNeil, owner of Elmscourt, said she is pleased with the turnout at her home in its first three days of tours.
“My numbers have gone up every day,” she said.
From group to individual tours, she’s seen people from all over the country and even from Canada.
Her numbers have reached 100-plus each day and the last day, she did her own personal head count and got 188.
Downtown shops, hotels and restaurants are also enjoying the influx of out-of-towners.
Darby’s Gifts and Decorative Accessories is seeing more customers than usual.
Owner Darby Short said there’s a big difference comparing number of customers now to a month ago.
“Even Sundays have been busy,” Short said.
Johnathon Wood, director of Old South Trading Post, said he’s seen more foreign visitors in his store this Pilgrimage.
“We’re also seeing an influx in the family travel for spring break,” he said.
Mary Lees Wilson, owner of One of a Kind, said the difference in amount of customers is very noticeable.
She said she appreciates the trolley being back in service.
“It just makes the whole downtown seem more alive,” Wilson said.
Hotels are packing people in, too.
Janelle Williams, general manager for Hampton Inn, said they are at 90 percent capacity, and the normal percentage is between 75 and 80.
“This month we’ve had five tour groups come in,” she said.
Natchez National Historical Park is benefiting from Pilgrimage.
Melissa Tynes, park ranger, said visitation is up about 3 percent.
Comments
Posted by frogprincenessntz (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 12:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If you are able to see the true numbers, you can verify this. As one of the workers in the industry, our standing joke was that you would never get the correct numbers. You always got that the price of gas was too high, the weather was bad, people were afraid to travel, etc, etc.
I posted the above paragraph on March 8. Seems the relevancy is still there.
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 3:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
they just dont get it....the tourist industry is dead here.that is why we need a real industry here.i hope with these numbers david gardner rethinks his trail deal...if you build it they are not going to come.
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 3:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
the big increase of people in town last weekend was the motorcycle groups not tourist.
Posted by supertrucker47 (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 6:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
DUH!!!!!!!!!I THOUGHT YOU KNEW?
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 6:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Shedevil attacking the tourism is ignorant on your part to say the least, MAYBE if you want to see industry here you should stop attacking and take your whines to the mayor. Be warned though, he may want you to come up with some ideas. oops
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 6:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Tourism is an excellent industry. But it has to be done properly. For whatever reasons, Natchez has never figured out how to do even the basics that other towns do. Shuffling and dealing excuses year after year is pathetic.
But, what the worry? I like the streets quiet anyway.
Posted by supertrucker47 (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 6:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SHEDEVIL YOUR WRONG.THE ONLY THING KEEPING NATCHEZ A FLOAT IS TOURISM.ITS ALL THEYVE GOT AND ALL THEY EVER HAD FOR A LONG TIME.IF THE TOURISM GOES,NATCHEZ GOES WITH IT.I DO HOWEVER AGREE,THAT THE CITY OF NATCHEZ SHOULD FOCUS MORE ON OTHER THINGS THAN JUST TOURISM.TOURISM DONT BRING JOBS TO THE CITY.FOCUS ON THAT RECREATION FOR THE CITY.TOURISM IS A SEASONAL THING.WE NEED SOMETHING THAT WILL BENIFIT THE CITY YEAR ROUND.THE CITY NEEDS TO CARE MORE ABOUT THE PEOPLE LIVING HERE THAN THE PEOPLE JUST COMING TO VISIT.THATS THE PROBLEM HERE.OUR CITESENS ARE LEAVING AND MOVING AWAY EVERYDAY CAUSE THE CITY IS IN SHAMBLES.ITS FALLING APART.THERES NOTHING HERE FOR THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE.A CITY CANT GROW IF ITS RESIDENTS ARE LEAVING AND MOVING AWAY.TOURISM WONT BAIL THE CITY OUT THIS MESS IT HAS CREATED.BUT ITS BECAUSE THE CITY HAS FORGOTEN ABOUT ITS PEOPLE AND DONT CARE ABOUT HEM ANY MORE.WAKE UP NATCHEZ BEFORE THERE IS NO-ONE LEFT FOR YOU TO TAX.TY
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 6:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
gottabehappy....i think the ignorance is on your part.what good would it do to whine to buck west when he doesnt have a clue whats going on around here..here just wants to play golf,look pretty and play the race card.the tourist industry is dead in natchez and i dont think it will be back without changes.if they want tourist to come back to the homes they need to open them up year round...maybe sell drinks and have a band on weekends...maybe rock at one home,country at another home.blues at another and so on.then i think they would see a huge increase in tourist.
Posted by VillageIdiot (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 6:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think that the proposed walking trail would be an asset to Natchez, providing visitors with another venue to learn more about the town and it's history while enjoying the natural beauty of the city. On a larger scale, perhaps the state of Mississippi could learn a thing or two from our neighbor, Louisiana.
Louisiana trail traces African-American heritage
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AP) -- Louisiana tourism officials have unveiled the first 26 sites on an African American Heritage Trail running from New Orleans to northern Louisiana.
"It will tell the stories of African Americans who have made contributions to Louisiana, to America and to the world," said Chuck Morse, assistant secretary of the Louisiana Office of Tourism. "It makes us proud, but it's not about pride totally. It's also about the economy."
There are 26 stops on the trail to begin with, although that will be expanded. Included are the expected -- plantations with details about slaves' lives, and the early roots of jazz -- and the unexpected -- such as Melrose Plantation, built and owned and operated by a former slave, who in turn became a slave owner.
Heritage tourism trails are routes that lead visitors to specialty points of interest. They constitute a fast-growing type of tourism, Morse said. Louisiana is in the process of developing a series of such trails, ranging from a Culinary Trail to a Civil War Trail.
According to the Travel Industry Association of America, more and more travelers are seeking the authentic American experience offered through cultural and heritage tourism. The organization said 81 percent of the 146.4 million U.S. adults who took a trip of 50 miles or more away from home in the past year included historical or cultural activities on at least one of their trips.
"People are looking for authentic places and the stories that go with them," Morse said. "Trails help them find them easily."'
(Continued)
Posted by VillageIdiot (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 6:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
An old-time black-and-white photograph of two young black men, one holding an accordian, serves as the "face" of the trail.
Places on the trail include the Hermione Museum in Tallulah, which is currently hosting an exhibit on the famously successful hair-care entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker, who was born in Delta, Louisiana, in 1867, shortly after slavery ended; the state capitol in Baton Rouge, where, in the 1870s, P.B.S. Pinchback briefly served as the first black governor in U.S. history; and Congo Square, in New Orleans, where slaves were permitted to assemble on Sundays. The St. Augustine Catholic Church in Natchez, Louisiana, and the St. Augustine Church in New Orleans' Treme neighborhood have both been spiritual centers for the black community for generations. Grambling State University in Grambling, and Southern University in Baton Rouge, both traditionally black colleges, are also on the list. The schools celebrate their rivalry at an annual football game called the Bayou Classic.
Some of the sites on the trail are associated with prominent individuals, such as the great gospel singer Mahalia Jackson's grave in Providence Park Cemetery in Metairie; and the Arna Bontemps African American Heritage Museum in Alexandria, the family home for a writer who went on to become important in the Harlem Renaissance.
Other places on the trail in New Orleans are the New Orleans African American Museum, St. Louis Cemeteries No. 1 and No. 2, the French Market and the Amistad Research Center. Elsewhere in the state, the list also includes Laura Plantation, Vacherie; Evergreen Plantation, Wallace; River Road African American Museum, Donaldsonville; Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum, Hammond; Port Hudson Battlefield, Jackson; the African American Museum, St. Martinville; the Black Heritage Art Gallery, Central School Arts and Humanities Center, Lake Charles; the Creole Heritage Folk Life Center, Opelousas; the Cane River Creole National Historic Park-Creole Center, Natchitoches; the Multicultural Center of the South, Shreveport; Southern University Museum of Art, Shreveport; and the Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum, Monroe.
Copyright Associated Press 2008
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 6:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
oops, my bad. Forget about your ideas!
please!
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 6:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
(that was to shedevil)
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 6:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
supertrucker ...the tourist industry only helps a few business here.it great to have but natchez cant survive in it
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WHO said anything about tourism being the ONLY industry here?
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 8:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sayitload..read the comment next time..nobody said tourist was the only industry here....our biggest employer is nrmc...its doing as good as the tourist industry these days
Posted by silly_willy_24_7 (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
those tourists have money coming out of their ears, so the price of gas should not be that relevant. these people would rather pay ten bucks for a hamburger at an old historic home that pay 2 bucks for a better one at a fast food place. they would rather pay 20 bucks for a natchez souvenir when walmart has the same thing for 5 bucks.
when someone goes on a vacation trip, they make sure that they can pay for anything that may come up, and if that involves gas going from 3 dollars a gallon to 4 dollars a gallon, then maybe the people on the very bottm of their gift list has to suffer not getting a souvenir this year.
meanwhile, back in reality, they spend a few more bucks at the gas pump instead of the gift shop. that is the price you pay to take a vacation trip. but the taxes from gas still go to the same people as taxes on a hamburger.
Posted by beammeupscotty (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope a lot of the tourist get sick then we can send them to NRMC and solve all our problems
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
now thats a good point beammeupscotty
Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
She devil, I think you are right it what you intend to say, but its how you say it that is causing so much grief. Tourism is all we have now and we can't let it walk away. The city has been trying to get Rentech in but I am sure you have seen how that effort has been blasted on the site repeatedly.
Posted by frogprincenessntz (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I fully support tourism. The dollars spent here turn over so many times that each of you have indirectly benefited from them. That said, I think we need to hold the ones spending our tax dollars accountable. Hard facts and numbers should be required. If you cannot book it to bring in more folks, you should be shown the road!
Posted by frogprincenessntz (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
VillageIdiot...great posting on the LA Trail. Have you been to the William Johnson House here. How many of the naysayers have toured it? His life was very interesting and was the Prince's. A well-designed trail here would benefit all our school children as well as the tourist.
Posted by supertrucker47 (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 9:22 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez will continue to be in the state it is in, if it continues to rely on antiquated ideas for its survival. So many graduate from high school in Natchez, only to never return, unless they somehow get work in the school system, know someone or is a relative of someone with a family business. The rest of the demographic is shut out, with low quality, low pay service jobs. Everyone will not be rich, the cash cow won't knock on everyone's door, but viabl employment with dignity is obviously asking for a lot. I have seen this scene play out, IN MY TIME, regardless to who the mayor was, so I think blaming the mayor is scratching the surface. Much has to be said however, for some of the board members on the county board, who have talked to companies, tried and trying to bring industry here, but what of it? What's up with the prison being built? What's up with Rentech? Like someone said, tourism is seasonal, how can it be expected to strictly drive a town's economy, the size of Natchez? My guess, the powers that be would rather sacrifice good industry, meaningful jobs and a functional economical existence, for the "old charm" the town supposedly holds. The economy overall in this country is not good right now, but for Natchez, this is certainly nothing new.
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
supertrucker47, Are you calling on Jesus? Or, are you using his name as a curse word? Sorry, but I could not figure it out.
Posted by supertrucker47 (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GET WITH THE PROGRAM GRANDADDY
Posted by NatchezEnema (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok, let me get this, tourism #'s are down 5% from what.Last year? Last year they said they were down, the year before that they said they were down. Who would know the real truth to the question? Well lets think about it. We have a visitors center here in Natchez. You would think that this body of people, who work for us(our tax $'s) they would know. It is quote the "VISITORS CENTER", I CHALLENGE everybody who reads this post to call there and ask who can answer the question "What are the numbers for the last 5 years" You would think someone could push a button on a computer and a printout could be printed. For all you people who say this "INDUSTRY" is what is carrying Natchez, call down there and ask our VISITOR CENTER'S staff and ask "how many busses have come into town today, yesterday, last year?" " how many tourist's have come through your doors today?". This building before it was built was sold to Natchez on the idea it could draw tourists, track tourists, and increase revenue to the area. WELL? I want the numbers and everybody else should to. I can't get a straight answer. You would also think that the Democrat would have looked or asked for this information also. Is'nt it their job who work there to know this? How can they budget, or change to the ever changing enviroment without knowing? Please call! If they are doing their job they should be able to tell you if it is good or bad news. This is a JOKE, and sad situation when you have so many people working there and sitting on their butts!
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I will be visiting family down that way in May. Does that make me a tourist? Or do I have to spend money on tourist specific locations to make me a tourist?
I know Dodge Chicken will be getting some of my money and the Donut Shop...maybe even Dimples.
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
oh geez
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In all the posts I have read, never once have I read one that says to do away with the tourist. They all agree that we need what few tourist we have coming in, but those numbers get smaller every year. The posters do agree that tourism should move over and let the future of Natchez have space enough to get a toe hold. Tourism is not self supporting as it takes tax dollars to keep it going. It would have more tax dollars if it took the back seat for awhile and I would think anyone with a business mind could see that. Tourism and industry can live side by side. It does in most cities, why not Natchez? Any industry coming to inspect Natchez as a future location comes face to face with guess what? It doesn't take a brain child to answer that. The first question they are probably asked, "And who is/was your daddy?"
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
been dissed lately by one of the garden clubs destiny?
Posted by Swapmeet (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I totally agree with destiny. Industry and tourism can live side by side. Tourism is good for local business owners, but tourism is a service economy. Service jobs don't pay what industrial jobs pay. Hopefully, people will realize that it is in the best interest of everyone if both tourism and industry flourished in this town.
Posted by ntzmom (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Is it my imagination, but hasn't tourism been down several years in a row now?
Posted by djarum_black (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Can someone tell me why anyone should want to come to Natchez for a vacation?
Seriously, the next time you go anywhere else but MS, talk to people and ask them to honestly tell you how big a thrill it would be to walk around and look at antebellum homes. Sure, you might get some interest, but when you factor in a failing economy and ridiculously high gas prices, I think someone would rather take their family to Florida and pay for a hotel somewhere that might have more to do.
Sure, Natchez gets tourism dollars, but not a whole lot in comparison to other places. I know Natchez is hanging onto those dollars for all they're worth, too.. but they aren't going to save this place. If tourism IS going to be a real focus, there's going to be sacrifices. Downtown needs MORE parking and something remotely interesting for children and young adults. Retiree money isn't going to cut it for very long.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
well I believe the old saying -- don't look a gift horse in the mouth
we had better take what we can get AND LIKE IT !!!
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
supertrucker47, It seems that I'm on one program and you are on another. I'll stay with mine, thank you.
By the way, you ain't got to shout. I've got feelings.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 6:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The antebellum "trade" employs people at the hotels, restaurants, antebellum homes, gardeners, yardboys, waitresses, cooks, flower shops, etc. who get paid and in turn shop around and visit my store which benefits me and I say-- THANK YOU!!
The antebellum trade is an important part of our local economy we should be thankful for.
It's nobody's fault by YOURS that YOU haven't done something else to fill out the complete picture. Yes we need more components to complete our economy and make more money circulate around locally. It's your fault you haven't gotten up enough courage, money, planning, whateverittakes to make a contribution. So quit whining about what you don't have and MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN!!
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Teach you whiner
no one has sacrificed industry for tourism
gottabehappy - don't waste your time trying to call the mayor, his lackies will take a number, but he won't return a call. Plus his lackies act like idiots anyway, I doubt they can write a note.
If you want industry -- get up and go get some, bunch of whiners, you all make me sick.
This is a free country -- no one is keeping you from doing anything but your own lack of initiative. Whatever it is you want, go for it. You can do whatever you want, you don't have to wait on anybody!!!
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fact is- the industry that was here packed up and left due to a number of economic and factors. Their facilities were worn out and it would cost more to repair than to rebuild. Our work force is untrainable. We are somewhat isolated in respect to major roadways. I think that is changing now with 61 nearly all 4 lane.
Industry can make more money other places.
I think our supervisors and aldermen are working hard to make something happen. I know since Watts has been in there, things have started shaping up. I can't see West as having made any contribution. He doesn't even want to take a stand on the school situation. His people don't even know how to tactfully solicit help getting trash picked up.
It's ridiculous to think that the antebellum business people have blocked industry, there is nothing to back that up with. I'm sure they want a bigger economy same as most of us do. Everybody wants Natchez to be a better place to live, but putting down people that are doing honest work and bring in money is plain stupid. Quit complaining and do something positive. All you naysayers should be ashamed of your ignorance, and be counting our blessings instead, and the antebellum tourism segment of our economy is certainly a blessing.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Shedevil--
you think Mayor West is pretty?? Girl I feel sorry for you. Well he does try to dress like a pimp, but he needs to see a dentist. HE could use a few visits to the dermatologist as well. And a speech therapist wouldn't be a bad idea also.
I guess you can tell I'm down on West. He won't return any phone calls and that really aggravates me. My supervisor and alderman are easy to talk to. Responsible and accessible public servants Mr. Pollard and Mr. Lazaraus are.
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 7:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
that was funny krogers...i was just kidding that buck west was pretty...he just thinks he is pretty..but in my eyes he is ugly as sin
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 8:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok, we have kicked this dead horse long enough. I have read over and over how the industry has been down for years, and yet, the power elite in Natchez seem to go to the Government looking for tourism grants year after year.
Why not try getting a grant to build a new industrial park and attarctcting business to town that will employee hundreds and have taxes benefits for the county and city...
Read my past post to see what I feel about the whole subject. I am not going to type it over and over, besides, the Blue-haired brigade and the downtown bobbleheads will come after me if they see me post it again......And Kevin Cooper will come on here and start trying to get me to change my mind.
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Destiny, great post, they can co-exist. I get the feeling however, some like just the way things are in Natchez, for that, let's all move on.
Posted by ntzmom (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why is no one answering me when I ask a question? Have I made anyone hate me?
I asked,
Hasn't tourism been a little lower several years running now?
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ntz yes...but they do not want anybody to know actual numbers....
Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on March 22, 2008 at 2 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kroger, what statements you made “ I know since Watts has been in there, things have started shaping up. I can't see West as having made any contribution. He doesn't even want to take a stand on the school situation” and “All you naysayers should be ashamed of your ignorance”. Speaking of West, Watts, schools, and ignorance, here are some facts for you.
The Adams County Board of Supervisors appoints 3 school board members and contributes funds, the City appoints 2 members. If other government bodies are going to be involved as you suggest, shouldn’t it be Watts taking the lead? Or is it Kroger that both West and Watts are governing the bodies that they were elected.
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