[03/07/01] It is too early to gauge the effects of “The Majesty of Spain” exhibit that opened in Jackson last week on tourism in Vicksburg, but some upswing has been noted.

The exhibit of art and artifacts depicting the link between Mississippi and Spain from 1780 to 1798 opened in the Mississippi Arts Pavilion a week ago and will remain open until Sept. 3.

“Actually, we have had several guests stay with us,” said Mary Washington, assistant manager of the Fairfield Inn on Pemberton Boulevard.

Washington said the inn has had some six parties stay there and travel to Jackson for the exhibit.

Kilby Whitney of The Corners said her bed and breakfast inn has also had guests see the Spanish exhibit.

“We haven’t really had a lot of people yet,” Whitney said, “but we have had some stay here and go through it.”

“It may be a little early to say just yet,” said Al Elmore, director of tourism with the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Elmore said the VCVB’s tourist information centers have recorded an increase in visits since the exhibit opened March 1.

“But this is the time of year it starts to pick up,” Elmore said.

Elmore also deals with tour group operators and said he has had several tour groups book visits to Vicksburg, specifically because of “The Majesty of Spain.”

The feeling of most of the people who run motels and bed and breakfast inns is probably summed up by Velda Buchanan, manager of the Best Western Inn of Vicksburg.

“It may take off later. I look forward to it,” she said.

Greg Eslick, general manager of the Holiday Inn, agreed.

He said he has had some guests see the posters in the lobby, inquire and then make the drive, but as far as people specifically coming to Vicksburg for “The Majesty of Spain,” “It’s way too early to tell yet.”

In Vicksburg, the Old Court House Museum has a special exhibit about the role of the Spanish here, including a diorama of Fort Nogales and Spanish grants of land to Vicksburg families. The museum will also have a concert of Spanish guitar music on March 17 and a lecture on Spain’s influence on April 7.