Ellington

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi tourism officials are requesting more public money to promote the state in big media markets such as Atlanta and Chicago.

State tourism director Malcolm White told legislative budget writers Wednesday that Mississippi spends much less than any other Southeastern state on advertising its own attractions.

Mississippi spent $3 million on tourism promotion during the 2014 budget year, which ended June 30. That compares to Florida's spending of $58 million, Alabama's $22 million and Louisiana's $11 million.

Mississippi Development Authority is requesting an additional $5 million of taxpayer money for tourism advertising and marketing during the 2016 budget year, which begins next July 1.

White says that amount would allow Mississippi to advertise in Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis and parts of Texas and Florida.