For every dollar Mississippi invested in tourism in 2003, the state received $13 by the end of the year in tourism-related revenue.

That statistic alone should get the attention of mayoral candidates as well as the rest of us in Natchez concerned about our city’s economic future.

Tourism in Natchez is big business, and it deserves a role as a major campaign issue in a campaign already dominated by economic development.

Some people think Natchez could be pigeon-holed by its role as a tourist community, but the industry can only help attract new industries &045;&045; if we play our cards right.

That means spending smart money on marketing, listening to ideas from professionals and sprucing up our streets and rights-of-way in a manner that will attract not only the traveling visitor but also the companies looking to expand.

It means making tourism a community effort that is inclusive rather than exclusive &045;&045; and realizing that, regardless of perception, that is the goal of those involved in the industry on a day-to-day basis. As bed and breakfast owner Regina Charboneau said, &uot;This is not black and white. It’s green.&uot;

Our community has so much to offer to so many different people. Our mayor and board of aldermen must be bold leaders on a variety of issues, and tourism must figure into the equation as a major industry.

We are glad to see the industry become a major issue in the campaign because it is a major factor in our economy.

We need new ideas &045;&045; not just from candidates but from residents and from tourism professionals &045;&045; to help invigorate our efforts.

And elected officials need to be ready to listen to those ideas and implement them.