Tourism officials on the Mississippi Gulf Coast will conduct a survey they hope will help bring more visitors to the area.

Revenues for coast casinos took a dive in June. The local gaming industry earned $84.1 million in June 2009 compared to $116.4 million in June 2008.

And the latest numbers for coast hotel occupancy show that in May, 23 percent fewer rooms were rented than the same time last year.

Harrison County’s tourism director says over the next few weeks volunteers will ask tourists questions like where they are from, where they are staying, and what they think would attract more people to the area.

Students from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College will conduct the survey.