Visit Oxford marked National Travel & Tourism Week from May 4 to 10 with a series of community events that highlighted the growing impact of tourism on the Oxford and Lafayette County economy.
According to data from Placer Labs, Oxford welcomed 1.6 million visitors in Fiscal Year 2024, resulting in 15.5 million total visits between October 2023 and September 2024. This reflects a 4.8% increase compared to the previous year. Visitor spending in 2023 alone generated $528 million for the local economy, as reported by the Mississippi Tourism Association.
Key markets that contributed to Oxford’s tourism growth included Nashville, which saw a 28.9% increase in visitors, followed by Houston (18.3%), Dallas (16.1%), and Atlanta (15.2%).
The tourism industry continues to be a vital part of Lafayette County’s economy, directly supporting more than 5,000 local jobs in FY24. Local tax revenues also reflected the positive trend, with a 5% year-over-year increase in food and beverage tax collections and a 16% jump in lodging tax revenue.
“We are grateful to our community for the remarkable growth we experienced in the past year,” said Kinney Ferris, executive director of Visit Oxford. “From our hotel and restaurant partners to the residents and students who contribute to Oxford’s unique charm, every individual plays a vital role in strengthening our tourism industry.”
To celebrate the week, Visit Oxford hosted a range of activities. A community-wide giveaway launched on May 4, with a prize package awarded on May 10 that included a two-night stay at the Courtyard by Marriott, a gift card to Proud Larry’s, and Oxford-themed merchandise.
On May 7, residents were encouraged to “play tourist” in their hometown with free admission to Rowan Oak, the historic home of author William Faulkner. The week wrapped up with a live performance by the Doo-Vays on the Visitor Center lawn on May 9.
The celebration underscored the importance of tourism to Oxford’s identity and economy while encouraging residents to take pride in the city’s appeal as a destination.
