NATCHEZ — The Mississippi River is rising, but local tourism leaders want the world to know Natchez is high and dry.

Despite the river reaching flood stage Tuesday, Kevin Kirby, director of the Natchez Convention and Visitors Bureau, remains hopeful tourists will travel to Natchez for Spring Pilgrimage and other area attractions.

“Yes, we are a river city; but, by virtue of the majority of our town being blessed with the protection of the bluff, we see the power of the Mississippi from a secure position,” Kirby said Tuesday.

Tuesday, the river level inched above the 48 feet mark on the Natchez gauge, signifying it was at flood stage. The National Weather Service’s Lower Mississippi River Forecast Center is projecting the river will rise to a crest of 49 feet by Sunday.

These numbers, Kirby said, often have the power to deter people from visiting Natchez for fear of flooding.

“So much of tourism depends on weather, and it’s just a general inconvenience,” Kirby said. “After flooding in 2011, we would still have people calling months later asking if Natchez survived.”

Because Natchez is located on the bluff, Kirby said travelers have no reason to cancel their trips.

“For the most part, business should go as usual,” he said.

And while a rising river may spark hesitation for tourists, some Natchez residents find it a welcome attraction.

Mike Wagner, owner of The Camp Restaurant, located on Silver Street at Natchez Under-the-Hill, said a high Mississippi River creates an ideal view.

“We’ve had a few tourists ask if the river is normally this high, but I think it looks a lot better when it’s a little higher,” said Wagner, adding that the restaurant is situated high enough to where it is usually unaffected by the river. “If it would continue to rise, I would be more concerned — but I think it’ll be just fine.”

The only area affected by the river reaching flood stage is Carthage Point Road south of the former International Paper mill. The road was closed Tuesday because the river had risen above the road surface in areas.