The Gazebo Gazette
VICKSBURG (GG) — Coastal Mississippi is proud to celebrate statewide recognition at the 2025 Mississippi Governor’s Conference on Tourism Awards, honoring both the organization and outstanding members of our community.
Coastal Mississippi, Visit Oxford, Visit Jackson, and Visit Mississippi, jointly received the Tourism Partnerships of the Year Award for Southern Roots and Modern Takes: Culinary and Media Event in New York City. This groundbreaking two-day event at Platform by the James Beard Foundation combined intimate media tastings with a sold-out public dinner, showcasing the state’s rising chefs, craft distillers, and timeless hospitality.
Through flavors, stories, and music, Mississippi was reintroduced to national audiences as a destination of creativity, culture, and culinary excellence.
In addition to this organizational honor, three distinguished members of the Coastal Mississippi tourism community were recognized with top individual awards:
Kay Kell, a dedicated Coastal Mississippi Tourism Commissioner representing Hancock County and a member of the Southern Rail Commission, received the Community Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition of her exceptional service and lasting contributions to the Coastal Mississippi region.
With a career spanning decades of public service from Bay St. Louis to Pascagoula, Kay has left an indelible mark on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, most notably through her unwavering advocacy for the return of passenger rail service.
2025 honors for Restaurant of the Year were awarded to Vestige of Ocean Springs for its nationally acclaimed culinary creativity and leadership in elevating Mississippi’s reputation as a dining destination.
Recognized for its unique ability to attract a wide range of visitors, the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival was awarded the Large Festival/Event of the Year.
In addition to these honors, Kendra Simpson, Director of Marketing at Coastal Mississippi, received a Master’s Level Certification for Excellence in Tourism Leadership through the Mississippi State Extension and Mississippi Tourism Association Program.
“These awards reflect the incredible breadth of talent, collaboration, and passion that drive Coastal Mississippi and our state’s tourism industry,” said Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi. “From Kay Kell’s tireless dedication to Vestige’s innovative cuisine, and our year-round efforts to showcase Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson Counties, we bring our story to a national stage. We are proud to see Coastal Mississippi and our partners honored in such a meaningful way.”
The Governor’s Conference on Tourism Awards spotlight individuals, businesses, and organizations that strengthen Mississippi’s tourism industry and inspire travel through excellence in hospitality, storytelling, and community leadership.
(Inside Photo submitted by Coastal Mississippi)
