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A recognition program for nature-based tourism business owners and operators.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area introduces Gulf Coast Outpost, a business recognition program for nature-based tourism business owners and operators. The Gulf Coast Outpost business recognition program was part of the 2016 Nature-based Tourism Plan for Coastal Mississippi. It was developed for the Heritage Area by stakeholders in the industry.

This voluntary program recognizes those businesses who are knowledgeable about the coast’s natural environment and take steps to protect it by fostering environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.

Workshops are held to actively prepare business owners and operators using a checklist that focuses on training, sustainability and stewardship. The program is aimed at those companies whose primary business is dependent on the natural environment in Mississippi’s six coastal counties. This includes eco tours, locally owned outfitters, charter boat operators, tour guides, eco-lodges and agritourism entities.

The Gulf Coast Outpost Businesses include:

Benefits of the program include access to a resource toolkit, marketing opportunities and eligibility to apply for the MGCNHA Heritage Community Grants program. The MS Gulf Coast National Heritage Area is a program of the National Park Service, and is managed by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.

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Gulf Coast Business Resources

Benefits of the program include access to a resource toolkit, marketing opportunities and eligibility to apply for the MGCNHA Heritage Community Grants program.

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More Info

For more information, contact Andrew Barrett at andrew.barrett@dmr.ms.gov or by calling 228-523-4064.

Download a copy of the Gulf Coast Outpost Checklist here: