Heart Of Hospitality
By: Mississippi Tourism Association
Language: en
Categories: Society, Culture, Places, Travel, Leisure
On Heart Of Hospitality—presented by the Mississippi Tourism Association—we talk with the passionate leaders, movers, shakers, and change-makers who keep the heart of our state’s vibrant tourism industry going strong. In Mississippi, the Hospitality State, tourism happens to be the fourth-largest industry, and a cornerstone of our economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue, creating jobs, and supporting small businesses in every region of the state. Heart of Hospitality is a deep dive into all things tourism. And, you’ll also learn about the Heart of Hospitality Workforce Development Training Program, established by the Mississippi Tourism Association to energ...
Episodes
Meet Taylor Garretson, Miss Hospitality 2025
Oct 27, 2025For this episode of Heart Of Hospitality, we’re at the Mississippi Governor's Conference on Tourism and are pleased to be chatting with Taylor Garretson. Miss Garretson was crowned the 76th Mississippi Miss Hospitality in July 2025 in Hattiesburg.
A Greene County native, Taylor will spend the next year promoting Mississippi’s tourism and economic development industries across the state and country as Mississippi’s official Goodwill Ambassador. Taylor shares her insights on how to connect with the next generation of students considering hospitality as a career, her favorite aspects of being Miss Hospitality, and what it's like to be a p...
Duration: 00:18:51Calvin Stovall's journey from the front desk to the top floor
Oct 20, 2025On this episode of Heart Of Hospitality, we talk with Calvin Stovall, Chief Experience Officer of ICONIC Presentations, LLC. With nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality and non-profit service industries, Calvin leverages his life experiences to connect with audiences nationwide. Beginning his hospitality career as a front desk clerk at the Holiday Inn, Stovall eventually became vice president of brand marketing with Hilton Worldwide.
He is also the author of the forthcoming book Hidden Hospitality: Untold Stories of Black Hotel, Motel, and Resort Owners from the Pioneer Days to the Civil Rights Era, scheduled for release in...
Duration: 00:19:49Talking with Thabi Moyo about bringing a national festival to Mississippi
Oct 13, 2025For this episode of Heart Of Hospitality, we’re pleased to have Thabi Moyo, Local Festival Manager for the upcoming National Folk Festival in Jackson, Mississippi, where she’s leading the charge to bring this nationally recognized event to the state for the first time. Our chat includes deep dives into the subjects of festival leadership, community co‑creation, volunteer and vendor readiness, and crafting a durable and lasting legacy for Mississippi's Capital City.
The Heart Of Hospitality podcast is presented by The Mississippi Tourism Association. MTA is an association comprised of tourism professionals established with a mission...
Duration: 00:27:56Welcome to the Heart Of Hospitality
Oct 08, 2025On Heart Of Hospitality—presented by the Mississippi Tourism Association—we talk with the passionate leaders, movers, shakers, and change-makers who keep the heart of our state’s vibrant tourism industry going strong.
In Mississippi, the Hospitality State, tourism happens to be the fourth-largest industry, and a cornerstone of our economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue, creating jobs, and supporting small businesses in every region of the state.
Heart of Hospitality is a deep dive into all things tourism. And, you’ll also learn about the Heart of Hospitality Workforce Development Training Program, established by the M...
Duration: 00:02:05