The Durant news. (Durant, Miss.) 1882-1985, 1953-06-18
MISSISSIPPI TOWNS PREPARING
10 OBSERVE HOSPITALITY MONTH"

from the Tennessee lire to the
new 26-mile stretch Of sand beach
aiong the Gulf Coast, Mississippi
Towns this June will participate in
.ne NTH annual observance of
hospitality Month" which is an
important phase of the states
overall progam to increase its
'ourist business.
more than 1870 communities
nave responded to Cover r
whites invitation to take an ac-
i've part in the month-long cele-
oratlon which features a state
VIDE Community Travel Develop
ment Contest" paint-up, cleanup,
H4-up campaigns, Identification
projects, erection of welcome
signs, entertainment of out-of-
state visitors, and which is con-
Guided with tn. statewide miss
hospitality" contest July 15-1Sth.
Toul lists who last year spent
an estimated $263,000,OO0 within
the state, have repeatedly express
~ through surveys their favorable
Impressions of the courteous, hos
pitable treatment they have re-
eeived at the hands of their Mis-
sissippi hosts.
In his proclamation calling on
all Mississippians to join in the
observance. Governor White call
ed attention to the fact that this
Unborn Mississippi trait must be
recognized by all as one Of our
most valuable tourist assets" and
its practice encoura ged in further
ing the continuance of the states
program to develop the tourist
industry.
Inaugl rated in 1919 to impress
upon Mississippians the import
ance of tourist business. the Hos
pitality Month" and Community
Travel Development" program de-
velOped into the states number
enc annual observance.
Designed to emphasize the COM
munity's role in the development
Of tourist traffic, the 1853 pro-
gram is featuring the second an
MOal Community Travel Develop
ment Contest" which last year
attracted . tota OF 81 towns on
its initial trial.
Any incorporated Mississippi
town is eligible to enter and COM
pete for q governors trophy and
two other awards to be made by
the chief executive. Covering
period from January LIST through
July 10th, the communities will
be Judged by an impartial panel
OF Out-Of-state experts on the basis
OF the most effective program for
that period.
A complete report of the COM
munity's activities. attested by the
mayor. will be the basis for judg-
ing. Certain points will be given
towns for carrying out suggestions
which have been made by the A.
& I. Boa-d. but special attention
will be given to original ideas and
COMMUNICATIVE participation by
local citizens.
One new feature of the contest
Is the conducting of "paint-up, fix
up, cleanup" campaigns, details
Of which are outlined in a COM
plete kit sent to all participating
towns.
Credits will be given for selec-
ton of local Miss Hospitality"
formation of local development
committees. establishment of in
formation booths, erecting of well
come signs. entertainment of visi-
tors handling of publicity locally,
and preparation of attractive
scrapbooks to accompany reports
Of activities.
Bonneville last year won the
first place award with a program
Of activities which utilized almost
every citizen and resource and
which is still actively engaged in
bringing about improvements to
that northeast Mississippi town
Of 1926 persons.
Communities, in addition to
Bonneville. which received prizes
or honorable mention for original
and comprehensive programs in
cluded Collins. Gulfport. Grenada.