The Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce has begun offering sessions in an effort to promote relationships in the tourism industry.

“The ‘Get to Know You’ sessions are geared towards getting to know our hoteliers, restaurateurs, museum directors and anyone interested in tourism,” executive director of the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce Jane Flowers said.

During the inaugural session, participants were told how the Warren County Welcome Center can help promote businesses.

“Brochures help bring revenue in,” Debbie Dolan said.

Dolan is the supervisor of the Mississippi Welcome Center on Washington Street.

“The welcome center is more than just a place where tourists can stop in and use the restroom or grab a map, it is also a place where locals can promote their businesses,” she said.

When tourists stop at visitor centers, brochures from across the state are displayed, which include information on lodging, dining and entertainment.

Dolan said if a business is interested in having a brochure displayed at the visitor center they must first submit a written request with a sample publication or they can email a request with an electronic copy of the materials being submitted.

“If a publication is approved, brochures will then be displayed at all 13 welcome centers throughout the state. Last year 337,270 people visited Mississippi state welcome centers, and in March there were 4,800 visitors at the Warren County Welcome Center,” Dolan said.

The cost of printing and shipping the brochures is the responsibility of the business owner, she added.

Dolan said another opportunity for businesses to promote themselves at the Warren County welcome center is to participate in the monthly events.

“We have a theme every month at the welcome center,” Dolan said.

This month’s theme is food.

“Snacks entice tourist,” she said.

Dolan said she and her staff work hard to promote the local businesses, but encouraged help.

“It’s your welcome center. I work for you, but they won’t know as much about you if you are not there,” she said.

“The Mississippi welcome centers are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week with 24-hour security,” Dolan said.

For more information about the Warren County welcome center or information on brochure applications, call 601-638-4269 or visit www.visitmississippi.org.