Tourism is a bright spot in Natchez’s economy, and news that American Cruise Lines is launching a new ship, American Song, that will make Natchez a regular stop on its New Orleans to Memphis cruises is welcome, indeed.

American Cruise Lines already has two cruise ships making regular stops in town and tourists love to roam the city with its restaurants, bars and historic houses, all within a short walking distance of the dock.

The new cruise ship will make its maiden voyage Oct. 6 and it is fortunate that Natchez recently completed its downtown plan to revitalize and revamp the area that Mayor Darryl Grennell calls the “crown jewel” of Natchez.

To that end, Grennell and city planner Riccardo Giani are advocating hiring a downtown development or Main Street director to head up downtown revitalization efforts.

Natchez already has a large number of cruise ship passengers visiting regularly and they are perhaps the best calling card to spread the word about the hidden gem that is Natchez.

If they have a good experience visting the shops and merchants in downtown Natchez, they are more likely to talk up Natchez as a tourist destination.

Having a well thought-out and planned downtown area will only make a the impression stronger.

Hopefully,  the city will move forward with hiring a downtown director soon so we can be well on the way to improving the downtown experience by the time the new cruise ship starts bringing an estimated 184 additional tourists per week to Natchez, and our downtown merchants and others can reap the benefits.