NATCHEZ — An 18-member delegation of Mississippi State Senators led by Lt. Governor elect Phil Bryant rolled in to Natchez on Thursday evening.

The purpose of the visit — “sell Natchez,” Bryant said.

The senators on the trip are members of the Economic Development and Tourism Commissions.

Their two-day jaunt started in Vicksburg and will end in with a tour of downtown Natchez on Friday afternoon.

“We want to make sure they (senators) understand the tremendous economic impact tourism has on cities like Natchez,” he said. “It’s absolutely critical.”

Bryant said during his time on the tour he will focus on Natchez as an investment opportunity for the state.

“They invest in cities like this,” he said. “And Natchez is a good investment.”

Selling Natchez as a good investment has been made easier by all the visible construction going on around town, Bryant said.

“The progress here is easily visible,” he said. “Natchez is on the move.”

And while Bryant tries to sell Natchez, local leaders are ready to stand by his side and help any way they can.

Alderman Jake Middleton said any city the size of Natchez would be extremely lucky to have a group of such influential visitors come to their city.

“To really appreciate Natchez you have to come here and really see it,” he said. “And that’s just what we have here now.”

Middleton also said the word-of-mouth exposure that Natchez will get from this trip is just another positive for the city.