GULF COAST OUTPOST

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

Beginning October 2018, this voluntary program will recognize those businesses who are knowledgeable about the coast’s natural environment and take steps to protect that environment 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.

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

The Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area is a program managed by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.

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: