MOSS POINT, Mississippi (WLOX) – Labor Day weekend is upon us, one of the most important times in the tourism industry.

The weekend offers families the opportunity to experience summer feelings once again.

“It’s kind of the kickoff and start of fall,” said Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi Tourism. “Everyone wants to spend the last weekend doing some summer activities, then it’s straight into festival season.”

While it sounds like a great opportunity, Eva Philip, co-owner of Gulf Coast Gator Ranch in Moss Point, says there’s a big problem right now.

“School has started again and people aren’t out and about as much as they were in the middle of summer,” Philip said.

For locally run tourism destinations like hers, this is the last chance for a business boom for now, said Philip.

“When Labor Day comes, we have three days where people can travel,” Philip said. “After Labor Day, we slow down again until Thanksgiving.”

Large parts of the tourism industry must prepare for a decline after the weekend.

This underscores the importance of this weekend, especially considering the great influence the Gulf Coast has on the state of Mississippi.

“Our region generates well over 30% of the tourism revenue for the entire state of Mississippi each fiscal year,” Young said. “We employ over 27,000 of your friends and neighbors.”

Although you may already be settled in, both Young and Philip hope families will take advantage of an early holiday weekend after the summer holidays.

“We hope everyone who has adjusted to their schedule at home while their children are in school is ready for one last sunny summer hurrah,” Young said.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is predicting a busier Labor Day weekend this year due to lower fuel prices compared to recent years.

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