BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -
The vacancy sign remains lit outside one hotel on the beach in Biloxi. Linda Hornsby with the Hotel and Lodging Association says that is the case at most properties.
"As of this moment, there is plenty of availability. We only have a couple of the casino hotels that are full," Hornsby said.
But Hornsby remains hopeful that will change before the clock strikes midnight ringing in 2013.
"Usually in past years, we have seen more of the hotels full at this point," Hornsby said. "There are a number of factors that come into play, but I think it's going to change in the next couple of days."
New Year's Eve revelers started checking into Four Points by Sheraton on the beach in Biloxi Friday. General Manager Kenny Glavan expects to be almost sold out until January 3rd.
"This New Year's Eve is shaping up real nice," Glavan said. "We are probably going to end the weekend completely full and then we springboard into the new year with the Sugar Bowl.
The Gulf Coast Convention and Visitor's Bureau is helping boost occupancy by offering free transportation to New Orleans with a two night stay at a South Mississippi hotel. They're also running ads in the opposing teams' hometowns.
"You have people coming for the Sugar Bowl who say, 'Hey, I've heard about the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Let's go experience it, it will be fantastic,' and we are going to show them just that," Glavan said.
"We have seen a lot of activity pick up. So far we only have one bus that's full, but we still have a couple more on reserve and again I think on the next day or two that will pick up," Hornsby said.
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