Wish Card promotion extended until April
Snowbirds wishing to escape the winter weather and those contemplating a Valentine’s Day or Mardi Gras getaway have more time to book their vacation and get a $100 reward.
The $100 Wish Card funded by BP is extended through April 3 or until supplies last, said Sandy Bynum, communications bureau manager for the Mississippi Development Authority Tourism Division.
“I think it’s been very successful,” she said. “Since Nov. 3, about 1,800 cards were distributed to people who booked a two-night stay at one of the participating hotels. Another 8,700 people registered online to receive the card once they make their reservations,” she said.
The $100 card is presented at check-in and can be used like a credit card to pay for the hotel rooms, meals, golf, fishing and other attractions in Harrison, Hancock or Jackson counties.
Bynum said the extension from Jan. 31 to April 3 is timed to coordinate with the last advertising campaign.
BP gave Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana $15 million each and Florida $25 million last year to counter the effect the negative image of the oil spill had on tourism. MDA spent the money on the Wish Cards, a “Wish Your Were Here” advertising campaign and promotions to bring visitors to South Mississippi.
Sweepstakes that brought winners to the area for Cruisin’ the Coast, the Peter Anderson Festival and other events were especially popular, she said.
Three more contests, each valued at more than $2,000, are featured in this final leg of the promotion:
- Pascagoula River Nature Festival: 2-night/4-day package April 17-24. Entry deadline is Feb. 21.
- Relaxation Getaway: Two hotel rooms and spa treatments for 3 nights/4 days. Enter Feb. 21-March 14.
- Family Fun Getaway: Hotel and meal for 4, with tickets to StenniSphere, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center and other attractions. Enter March 15-April 4.
Bynum said all the BP money has been allocated in this last advertising campaign.
