The first half of 2026 brought several large events to Lauderdale County, and tax revenue from local hotel stays reflect an increase in traffic through the area.
Data show more than $55,000 in new hotel tax revenue over the previous year, which reflects a roughly 7.2% increase. Visit Meridian Executive Director Laura Carmichael said that figure is likely above 8% once the most recent numbers are added to the equation.
“Our occupancy rates are continuing to rise, which is good,” she said. “I said that my goal was $1 million for the year, and I think we’re definitely going to hit that this year.”
Local hotels have seen an uptick in guests due to events such as Wings Over Meridian and Sipp & Savor, as well as business from ongoing construction projects such as the data center project in the I-20/59 Industrial Park.
Neil Henry, who serves on the Lauderdale County Tourism Commission, said looking at revenue from hotel stays is one way to measure the impact large-scale events have on the community. The hotel occupancy around an event can help tourism leaders and other officials gain an idea of how many visitors are drawn by festivals, concerts and other activities.
“It’s a clear return on investment,” he said.
As Lauderdale County sees its hotel occupancy grow, Visit Meridian is also preparing to gain a much better understanding of future needs. The county tourism arm has been working with Young Strategies to develop a strategic plan, which has now been completed.
Carmichael said she is working to schedule a time in August for Young Strategies to present the strategic plan to both the Tourism Commission and the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors.
“So that’s kind of an update on the strategic plan,” she said. “I’m really excited about the initiatives. It’s just growing our tourism base here.”
The first six months of the year have been busy, and there’s no sign the rest of the year will slow down. Multiple conferences, concerts, events and more are scheduled through the end of the year and into 2027.
The MSU-Riley Center recently announced its new season of performances, a new exhibit “Building Your World” by artist John Jennings is open at The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience and Smithsonian exhibit “Spark! Places of Innovation” is being hosted at Soulé Steam Museum through August. 15, are just three of many activities and events scheduled throughout the community.
For more information about Lauderdale County, upcoming events, places to stay, eat and more, go to visitmeridian.com.