Destination: Gulf Coast Film (2001):
“Destination: Gulf Coast” was a 35-minute video production to show the wonderful variety of coast businesses who positively influenced the beautiful Gulf Coast area and her tourism industry. It was the first project developed by the non-profit corporation which is now known as Disability Connection.
The film was produced by Chris Snyder of Sky River Productions. “Our primary goal is to increase the stay of visitors, said Chris Snyder. The average length of stay is about 2 ½ days, and when that figure is increased, it not only helps the hotel-motel industry, but every industry on the Coast.” It was originally conceived as a tool for real estate agents but it evolved into a vehicle with multiple uses. It was used by tourist buses such as Coasting, Inc; on the Carnival Cruise Ship; a Chinese University; tourism convention packets; and more. Requests for multiple videos were mailed as far as California, Alaska, Asia, and Europe. They showed at the two I10 Welcome Centers, and over 1500 were distributed to travel agents, travel planners, buses libraries, and organizations promoting the coast. Beth Carrier, former Executive Director of Hancock County said “We applaud your efforts to bring the Gulf Coast and specifically for us, Hancock County to many current and potential visitors.” Margaret Miller, former Executive Vice-President of Ocean Springs Chamber said “This is an excellent way to ‘SELL’ the Mississippi Gulf Coast in its entirety covering accommodations, restaurants, shopping, golf, and all that there is to do, see, and enjoy on a visit to our Mississippi Gulf Coast.” Linda Hornsby, Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Hotel-Motel Association of Mississippi said, “Every business mentioned along with numerous members of the coast community including mayors, staff, chamber leaders, business professionals, association leaders, and others have commented that this project is timely and will fit a void.”
The film featured 115 things to do and see in the three coastal counties of Mississippi; Jackson, Harrison, and Hancock. Over 10,000 videos and broches were produced and distributed. This was by no means every business that we valued as coast citizens, but you will be able to see the quality and variety of these businesses and why we are very proud to be from South Mississippi’s Coast.
It is now a wonderful postcard of the Coast’s past as Hurricane Katrina destroyed much of this beauty in 2005, much of which has never returned the same.
