2008 is going to be another fantastic year on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico here in Mississippi.

There is an increasing air of optimism, due the new projects, enhancements at existing tourism attractions, and significant progress being made on the expansion of the Mississippi Gulf Coast as a place to visit and reside.

First of all, the growth in direct air service is nothing short of spectacular! In just the past few months, the Coast has seen new air service materialize direct to Chicago on American Eagle, Columbus OH on Skybus, Orlando on Allegiant, and St. Petersburg on Myrtle Beach Direct. This pace of new direct service matches or beats the growth of any of our comparable coastal destinations. Many new visitors will be experiencing the Coast from the Midwest as a result of this new service.

Progress is very visible, too, on the attractions front. Just driving down Beach Boulevard in Biloxi gives the visitor an outstanding view of the work being done at the Ohr/O’Keefe Museum, where the Frank Gehry designed pods are.

This museum which will incorporate a variety of amazing spaces for the works of the “Mad Potter of Biloxi” George E. Ohr, African American Art, and the reconstructed Pleasant Reed House will bring international attention to the Coast. The pods, as designed by world renown architect Frank Gehry, will lead the development of this site and get it back on schedule as an artistic treasure.

The work being done to restore Beauvoir, final home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, is also bringing the front beach back to its role as a major national attraction area. With these two anchor museums, the new condos, home restorations, new homes, and the expansion of several of our casino resorts, Beach Boulevard continues to have lots of new excitement being generated.

With Mardi Gras, the Coast will be filled with music, celebration, floats, and, of course, beads of all types as revelers share our most festive time of year with everyone. As always, there will be lots of parades, throws, parties, and excitement all over the Coast.

For a complete listing of Mardi Gras events, go to www.gulfcoast.org. There’s information there on events, lodging, dining, golf, fishing, and so much more.

Since my last column, I have retired from my position as Executive Director at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau. Nevertheless, I am keeping my Gulfport residence while being a national travel industry advocate in the Washington DC area. It gives me an additional vantage point, as my observations will be more like those of an informed visitor and – based on the time between my visits – even a “newcomer”.

In that sense, the “view from here” should relate better to you, as my observations will be filled with the same kind of excitement and enthusiasm that you might experience personally. Happy New Year to you. Enjoy your experiences on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Yours Truly,