Northwest Tennessee Tourism Association: A Year of Growth and A Look Ahead!

Reflecting on Success:

As we close the book on this past year, the Northwest Tennessee Tourism Association (NWTTA) is overflowing with pride! It’s been a remarkable journey of growth and connection, and we’re determined to keep that momentum rolling.

A cornerstone of this success was a crucial step: revamping our bylaws. Drafted way back in 1971, they needed a refresh. This overhaul included our board structure, elections, meetings, and executive board. It also birthed our new mission statement: “to serve as a catalyst to enhance regional community and economic growth through the promotion and development of the tourism industry.”

Leading the charge are 14 dedicated community and business leaders, each representing their respective counties across Northwest Tennessee.

Tourism’s Tangible Impact:

The power of tourism extends far beyond beautiful scenery. Visitor spending has a monumental impact on businesses of all sizes throughout the region. According to the 2022 TDTD SnapShot Report, every NWTN household received an average of $272.22 in tax relief thanks to tourism!

A Year in Review:

Here’s a glimpse into NWTTA’s active involvement in the past fiscal year:

• 9 Counties Represented
• 33 Members Strong
• 2 Engaging Events (2nd Annual NWTN Legislative Breakfast, Tourism Social at Southland Safari)
• 2 Informative Workshops (Partner Pages, Short-Term Rental)
• Participation in 4 Conferences (GovCon ’23, AL-MS-TN Rural Tourism in Cleveland, MS, TDTD’s Blizzard at Montgomery Bell State Park, STS Marketing College)
• Forging Partnerships at 6 Legislator Meetings
• Building Relationships at 10 Mayor Meetings

Digital Transformation:

This year saw significant strides in our marketing efforts. A top priority was establishing a robust online presence, aiming to be a one-stop-shop for potential and current visitors to Northwest Tennessee.

We proudly partnered with TenCom in Dyersburg, and with Chris Donaldson and Paolo’s expertise, our new website is now a reality! Users can explore “Things To Do” categorized by activity (outdoor, shopping, eats & drinks, attractions), lodging options, trip ideas, an event calendar, and even helpful maps.

Continuing a long-standing tradition, we secured a dedicated page in the 2024 Tennessee Vacation Guide – a collaborative effort between NWTTA businesses, organizations, and our state department of tourism.

We also amplified our social media reach, growing our follower base on Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok! Last year, we connected with over 82,000 people, generating nearly 9,000 visits to our Facebook page.

Looking Ahead: Building on Momentum

Transparency is key! You can see our expected revenue and expenses for the upcoming year. This allows you to understand our financial health and how we function as an organization.

Here are some exciting goals we’ve set for the year ahead:

Marketing:

• Showcasing NWTN’s Treasures: We aim to produce captivating commercials featuring the diverse beauty of our region.
• The NWTN Visitors Guide: A handy guide to be distributed across the region and beyond.
• Social Media Savvy: Targeted campaigns to maximize our online presence.
• Website Lead Generation: More detailed trip itineraries and city-specific “Things To Do” will attract more website visitors.

Membership:

• Expanding Our Network: We aim to reach over 50 members, offering individual consultations to further support them.

Education:

• Spreading the Word: We’ll develop a plan to inform elected officials and community leaders about NWTTA and the vital role tourism plays in our region’s success.

Events & Workshops:

• Festival-Palooza Workshop: A workshop specifically designed to empower festival directors, vendors, and talent.
• NWTN Tourism Awards Banquet: Recognizing excellence in the regional tourism industry.

Mark Your Calendars!

The AL-MS-TN Rural Tourism Conference is just around the corner, taking place at Discovery Park of America on October 21-23. This is a fantastic opportunity to network with tourism professionals from across three states.

Thank you for being a part of the Northwest Tennessee Tourism Association journey. We look forward to partnering with you towards a future brimming with tourism success!

 

View Our Annual Report