Mississippi Gulf Coast Appears to Be Heading for Record Tourist Season.(Originated from The Sun Herald, Biloxi, Miss.)

Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News, July, 1997 by Byrd, Amanda

Jul. 4--If "No vacancy" signs and airport traffic are any indication, the Coast tourism industry could be in for a record July.

Coast hotels, motels and camp grounds are near capacity for the Fourth of July holidays -- which is normal -- but bookings also appear to be ahead of schedule for the rest of the month.

The addition of Reno Air, which began jet service to Atlanta, Orlando and Tampa in April, helped Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport enjoy its busiest day Thursday.

Airport director Bruce Frallic said 750 to 800 passengers are coming in and out of the airport each day.

"It's better than last July," he said.

July is traditionally the strongest month of the year for casinos.

"If it's...