Why Join the South Central Tennessee Tourism Association?
Unlock the Full Potential of Your Business in a Record-Breaking Tourism Economy
Tennessee’s tourism industry just shattered records — welcoming 147 million visitors and generating an unprecedented $31.7 billion in direct visitor spending in 2024, according to the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Visitors poured nearly $87 million into our state every single day, fueling small businesses, restaurants, hotels, attractions, outfitters, and retailers across all 95 counties. This economic engine doesn’t just drive profits — it also delivered $3.3 billion in state and local tax revenue last year alone, saving the average Tennessee household $1,170 annually.
It’s a golden age for tourism in Tennessee, and the momentum is only growing. International travel jumped 12% year-over-year, with each global visitor spending nearly six times more than a domestic traveler. From new direct flights from Iceland and Ireland to milestone events like Dollywood’s 40th anniversary and the MICHELIN Guide’s spotlight on the American South, 2025 is poised to be even bigger.
So how do you ensure your business rides this wave of opportunity? That’s where the South Central Tennessee Tourism Association (SCTTA) comes in. As the award-winning regional tourism organization behind the Experience Tennessee brand, SCTTA exists to help businesses like yours capture the benefits of this booming market.
Gain marketing power & regional exposure:
SCTTA (the team behind Experience Tennessee) is an award-winning tourism organization dedicated to driving yearround visitors across the 13-county South Central region.
Your business can be featured in campaigns, itineraries, media pitches, and innovative programs like the Tennessee Experience Travel Pass, attracting thousands of travelers.
Get professional marketing support: SCTTA partners with Happy Go Social to offer customizable packages, from social media management to full campaigns with content days, reels, stories, PR, and ads.
Designed to keep your doors open, your dining rooms full, and your experiences booked.
Invest in your community’s future:
Growing tourism means stronger small towns, vibrant downtowns, and more funding for local schools, roads, and emergency services.
By becoming a Tourism Ready Partner, you help build an economy that benefits all.
Record-breaking tourism in Tennessee:
In 2024, Tennessee welcomed 147 million visitors, generating a record $31.7 billion in direct visitor spending.
Visitors spent nearly $87 million every day, benefiting small businesses, hotels, attractions, and retailers statewide.
Tourism produced $3.3 billion in state and local tax revenue, saving the average Tennessee household $1,170 annually.
Surging international travel & future growth:
International travel to Tennessee grew 12% year-over-year, with each international visitor spending nearly 6x more than a domestic traveler.
New direct flights from Iceland and Ireland plus major events (Dollywood’s 40th anniversary, MICHELIN Guide spotlight) are setting up 2025 for even more growth.
SCAN TO DOWNLOAD THE TOURISM READY APP
Growing Through Strategic Partnerships
Experience Tennessee has become a vibrant regional brand by working closely with business partners, community groups, content creators, and DMO allies to tell the diverse stories of our 13-county region. Through these thoughtful partnerships, we’ve built support programs that lighten the load of costly development, content creation, and media buys—ensuring no partner carries the burden alone.
Our growth also comes from within. We’ve launched strong internal initiatives, including content development, our ambassador and influencer programs, and broader strategies—all designed to deliver measurable results for businesses and tourism partners across South Central Tennessee. Our dedicated team is always looking to maximize the impact of every project.
A standout example is our three-year collaboration with SCTTA Ambassadors Dan and Mary Peery of Hey Y’all, who have helped shine a light on small businesses and local attractions. Just last year, their content drew over 3 million video views and featured more than 350 local spots. Moving forward, Hey Y’all visits will be bundled into every Experience Tennessee partnership, making their reach even more strategic.
We’re also launching two new initiatives: the Experience Tennessee Podcast and Taste of Tennessee, a social series spotlighting the region’s dining experiences. This long-term commitment sets us apart. Not every partner can secure major media coverage, so we continue investing in flexible, creative programs that consistently deliver.
Together, we’re not just telling stories—we’re building a brand that will stand the test of time.
Regional Map & Guide Program
Experience Tennessee is proud to unveil an exciting new resource for visitors exploring our 13-county region. As part of our 2025–2026 initiative, we are developing a dynamic, double-sided 36"x27" regional map — a first-of-itskind tool designed to enhance trip planning and visitor engagement.
On one side, travelers will discover highlights from our eastern counties, while the reverse side showcases the western counties. Each side will be adorned with custom-themed artwork and detailed navigational accuracy, helping users orient themselves while appreciating the character and culture of each community.
The map will spotlight:
Major attractions and iconic landmarks
Partnering businesses and regional communities
Curated recommendations and on-map features that guide travelers to must-see stops
To complement the map, we are also introducing a print and digital travel guide that brings our region to life. This companion guide will feature:
Thoughtfully crafted itineraries
Local stories and hidden gems
A curated list of must-see experiences across South Central Tennessee
In addition, this map will coordinate not only with the corresponding travel guide, but will also complement the Experience Tennessee Virtual Brochure Rack and the new online Digital Guide on ExperienceTN.com, creating a fully integrated suite of planning tools for visitors.
This comprehensive travel tool not only enhances the visitor experience but also reinforces our commitment to making South Central Tennessee one of the most accessible, enjoyable, and engaging regions in the state—and the entire United States.
Ads include placement in the digital travel guide with links. The first six partners to opt into a 4X9 will also receive one of the seasonal covers.
4"X9" Ad - Platinum ($2999)
4"X4" Ad - Gold ($1999)
4"X3" Ad - Silver ($999) 4"X2" Ad - Bronze ($499)
Partnershipbenefits&Tools
Whatwe’lldo
Continually
Welcome Center Staff Shirt Program. Our team will wear your brand at the Welcome Center (excluding spirits brands)
Brochure or Rack Card placement at Whiskey Trailhead/regional welcome center
Ad in the Experience TN Regional Map & Ad in the Digital Travel Guide
Listed as a “Featured Place” on ExperienceTN.com
SCTTA prepares a monthly media pitch for the region to the state of Tennessee’s Department of Tourist Development. Partners receive preference on each of these calls. .
Each year we develop several media and FAM tours both exclusively through SCTTA and with partnering organizations like TDTD, Nashville’s Big Back Yard, TN Whiskey Trail, and others. Itineraries for these programs are built around partners first.
The SCTTA PR and Media team is always working on media pitches from Tennessee Crossroads and Nashville and Huntsville TV to major magazines like Southern Living and award-winning podcasts and radio shows like Steel Magnolias. Partners are always our primary focus on these pitches.
Experience Tennessee social media and marketing campaigns are built around partners first.
Whatyou’lldo
OnceaYear
One Annual Business Profile Article on ExperienceTN.com
One Annual Onboarding/Strategy Session
One Annual Hey Y’all Visit
Virtual Brochure Rack Poster Install at your business.
Invite to Regional Tourism Stakeholders Socials
Listed in all appropriate Experience TN print media, digital assets and experience pages.
Update ExperienceTN.com Partner Pages
Update to Tennessee River Valley Geo Tourism Page.
Submit up to two blogs per month for ExperienceTN.com; these may also be picked up for our socials or partner socials
Submit Welcome Center Info Sheets. These are then given to each of our Welcome Center staff members to help train them on the message you want relayed
Utilize Experience TN content library, which includes professional photography and video assets
Complete 3-Star Tourism Certification
Submit promotional business videos (30 seconds or under) to be featured on Video Board at the Regional Welcome Center
Stay up to date by reading our Monthly Partner Newsletter
Introducing:tourismreadyPoweredbyHappyGoSocial
At the South Central Tennessee Tourism Association, we believe that our Regional Tourism Partners are the heart of our success. Across our 13-county region, it’s your passion, creativity, and dedication that fuel the thriving tourism and hospitality industry. As we continue to grow, innovate, and adapt to meet the evolving needs of our region, one thing has become increasingly clear: our business partners are ready —and eager—for more support.
Over the past several years, we’ve heard a resounding request from attractions, small businesses, lodging partners, and entrepreneurs alike: “Can you help us with our marketing, too?” Social media marketing and management, in particular, has topped the list of most-needed services year after year. We’ve taken that ask seriously.
Launching a program of this scale is no small feat—it requires vision, expertise, and the right partner. That’s why we are proud to unveil Tourism Ready - Powered by Happy Go Social.
Through a newly established long-term partnership, Happy Go Social will now expand its acclaimed services across the entire South Central Tennessee Region. Known for their creativity, professionalism, and personalized attention, they’re exactly the type of team we trust to help tell our region’s story and amplify the voices of our partners.
Together with SCTTA’s robust media, marketing, and public relations infrastructure, this collaboration is designed to empower our partners with best-in-class marketing solutions. From content creation and campaign management to strategic growth support—this program delivers real, results-driven support exclusively to regional business partners.
We’re excited to provide a new level of marketing momentum for our local businesses—and even more excited to see what we’ll achieve together.
THEMINIpackage $350MONTHLY
The Mini package is designed for retailers, cozy restaurants, boutique lodging, and attractions that want to consistently stay in front of potential visitors on social media. With 8 beautifully branded posts a month across Facebook and Instagram, plus custom graphics and strategic hashtag research, your business will show up polished and ready to impress. We make it easy with a virtual kickoff strategy meeting, a content approval portal, and monthly check-ins — all while providing a kickoff content day and an extra day to refresh your visuals. This is the hassle-free way to build your brand presence and keep customers engaged year-round.
8 Monthly Post on Facebook and IG
Content Approval Portal
Virtual Kickoff Strategy Meeting
Kickoff Content Day*
Additional Content Day Included*
Custom Graphics for Posts
Hashtag Research
Monthly Email Check-in
Monthly Report
TheBasicspackage $599Monthly
The Basics package delivers robust, consistent social content to keep you top of mind. You’ll get up to 12 engaging posts a month, plus a monthly reel to tap into video trends and extend your reach (we can even help if you need content ideas). Two additional content days mean more fresh imagery and storytelling power, while our team develops and distributes 2 tailored PR stories to give your business added visibility. Weekly check-ins and monthly virtual strategy sessions ensure your campaigns stay sharp and aligned with your goals. For tourism-ready partners who want more buzz, more bookings, and more business, this is your sweet spot.
Up to 12 Monthly Posts on Facebook and IG
1 Monthly Reel (Client Provides Content if needed)
Content Approval Portal
Virtual Kickoff Strategy Meeting
Kickoff Content Day*
2 Additional Content Days Included*
2 PR Developed and Serviced*
Custom Graphics for Posts
Hashtag Research
Monthly Virtual Strategy Meetings (Up to 30 mins)
Weekly Email Check-ins
Monthly Report
Off the Hook pulls out all the stops with 20 expertly crafted posts, 4 reels each month, and a steady flow of stories to keep your audience hooked. You’ll benefit from hands-on support, starting with an in-person strategy meeting alongside our team and influencers, plus a kickoff content day that ensures your visuals are standout. Four more content days keep your feed dynamic, while quarterly PR campaigns, a profile audit, and custom content strategies set you up as a market leader. Top it off with managed paid ad campaigns (budget separate) to drive targeted traffic, and you’ve got a powerhouse marketing partner to propel your business to new heights.
20 Posts on Facebook and IG
4 Monthly Reels (Client Provides Content if needed)
Consistent Stories on Facebook and IG
Content Approval Portal
In person Kickoff Strategy Meeting with HGS & SCTTA
Kickoff Contend Day with SCTTA, Influencers, & Photographer*
4 Additional Content Day*
Profile Audit & Edits
Content Strategy
Quarterly PR Developed and Serviced*
Custom Graphics for Posts
Hashtag Research
Monthly Virtual Strategy Meetings (Up to 30 mins)
Weekly Email Check-ins
Monthly Report
Paid Ad Campaign Development and Management
(funds for campaign separate)
Our mission is to provided the tools and information you need to be tourism-ready. Tapping into the tourism industry opens up exciting opportunities and revenue streams for local businesses, attractions, and lodging partners. Beyond our free partner services, toolkit, and ongoing media campaigns, we also provide special co-op pricing on marketing and media services available year-round.
So what does co-op pricing mean? It means we share the costs by bundling additional services into our contracts with photographers, videographers, and social media influencers.
Because of this approach, you can access high-quality services at a fraction of the usual cost—often half or even a third of typical rates. Our goal is simple: to help your tourism marketing dollars go further and deliver even bigger results for your business.
Below we have included visitor spending data based on industry activity. This data is only for the southcentral Tennessee region.
EMAIL + TEXT MARKETING
WEEKLY - $249 Monthly
4 Customized Marketing Emails
4 Tested Subject Lines
Any Needed Graphics
Monthly Reporting
SEO & GOOGLE ADS
BASIC - $249 Monthly
Google Analytics Monitoring.
Website keyword updates.
1 Google/Facebook/Instagram
Ad Curation & Monitoring.
Content Strategy Plan for SEO Goals.
BIWEEKLY - $149 Monthly
2 Customized Marketing Emails
2 Tested Subject Lines
Any Needed Graphics
Monthly Reporting
THE MIDDLE
- $399 Monthly
Google Analytics Monitoring.
Website SEO Health Checks & Monitoring.
Website keyword updates.
3 Google/Facebook/Instagram
Google Ad Curation & Monitoring.
Content Strategy Plan for SEO.
Page Speed Optimizations.
WEBSITE BUILDS
NIFTY- $999
For general information websites to showcase your business.
2 Revisions
2 pages/screens
HGS writes copy
Responsive design
Source file
SLAMMIN’ - $1,999
Custom-designed website perfect for e-commerce.
5 Revisions up to 7 pages/screens
HGS writes copy
3 custom assets
Responsive design
Source file
Content upload
SMS TEXTING - $29/Text
Text Copy Development
Any Needed Graphics
Monthly Reporting
THE MAX- $599
Monthly
Google Analytics Monitoring.
Website SEO Health Checks & Monitoring.
Website keyword updates.
5 Google/Facebook/Instagram
Ad Curation & Monitoring.
Content Strategy Plan for SEO.
Page Speed Optimizations.
Continuous Link Building.
Content Curation and Integration with optimization goals.
STELLAR- $3,999
Monthly
For serious owners who need the best website created.
8 Revisions up to 20 pages/screens
HGS writes copy
6 custom assets
Responsive design
Prototype
Source file
Content upload
After Jack Traveler’s Guide
The After Jack Guide is one of South Central Tennessee’s most powerful and strategic marketing tools—targeting travelers immediately after their visit to the world-famous Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg. As one of Tennessee’s most visited destinations, the distillery draws international and domestic tourists alike, all looking for their next adventure once their tour wraps.
This exclusive guide is designed to steer visitors away from the interstates and instead guide them through the heart of our region— inviting them to explore the charming small towns, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences across all 13 counties of South Central Tennessee.
Featuring curated routes to Nashville, Memphis, Huntsville, and Chattanooga, the After Jack Guide reaches travelers right as they’re choosing what comes next. Whether it’s scenic byways, local eats, or unique attractions, this guide literally maps out a better way home—winding through the region, one incredible stop at a time.
Promote your business, event, or destination in the After Jack Guide and turn pass-through traffic into engaged regional tourism.
Ad in both fall and spring editions
After Jack Posters
After Jack Door Cling
Ad with link in digital guide Branding on After Jack Routes
Literature Mailing Program
Each month we mail out dozens of guides and information about visiting Tennessee. Our Literature Mailing Program allows for you to get in on that action!
This sponsorship allows you to place a rack card of your business inside each envelope we mail out. It also includes a mention in the letter that we send folks, pointing out that we are able to send this to them thanks to your partnership.
This sponsorship also comes with a banner ad on the “guides” page on ExperienceTN.com and continuous social media ad.
Annual Sponsor—600 Envelopes + One Year Ad Banner: $2,500
Regional Brochure Program Sponsorship
Each year through our regional brochure program, our team prints several regional-themed travel brochures. From Winiers to Biking, Hiking to our Music Guide, we print the guides that are requested the most. Additionally, we provide digital assets with the guides, Spotify playlists, and other interactive features to maximize the life and impact of each.
Individual Print Brochure Sponsor
Gate Sponsor (8"X9"): $2,000
Back Sponsor (4"X9"): $1,000
Inside Sponsor (4"X9"): $1,500
See guide schedule for print dates and open advertising spaces.
Branded Coaster Program
The Experience Tennessee branded coaster program is new to the 2025-2026 marketing program. This program is a win-win for your community, as each sponsored coaster is distributed to local restaurants in your area.
Coasters will be co-branded with ExperienceTN.com and will provide a QR code for visitors to scan that will lead to your community landing page on ExperienceTN.com. The program includes stocking and maintainance.
2,000 Coasters: $1,500
5,000 Coasters: $3,000
Rack Card Development
Our team will work with your business to develop a doublesided rack-card highlighting your business and allowing you to place your marketing materials in welcome centers and high-traffic areas that visitors frequent.
Price includes design time, printing cost, and distribution with the region + Ardmore and Nickajack Welcome Centers.
500 Prints: $150
Photo Services
Work with our team of professional staff photographers to deliver the visuals that best represent your community. Each of our photographers are on bulk contracts, which allows us to pass on the co-op value to your organization.
1 Shoot Day: $500| 20 Edits and up to four shoot locations
2 Shoot Days: $900 | 40 Edits and up to eight shoot locations
3 Shoot Days: $1300 | 60 Edits and up to twelve shoot locations
Video Services: Social Media Reels + Social Media Influencers
Video continues to dominate online attention, but it is forever changing. Sure, there is a place for long-format video, but today the most effective approach is through short “reel”style videos showcasing your community or destination. New in 2025, all contracted social media reel posts will be posted as collaboration posts with Experience Tennessee socials.
4 Pack of Reels: $1,500
8 Pack of Reels: $2,850
12 Pack of Reels : $3,500
Welcome Center Bag Sponsorship
The Tennessee Whiskey Trailhead and Welcome Center hands out over 10,000 bags annually with customer purchases and another nearly 10,000 for brochures and merchandise inside the store.
This sponsorship includes your logo on one side of the bag, printed on over 20,000 bags.
For special events or short runs, we can work in "splash printing” that covers 5,000 bags and up to three months in rotation.
Distributed at the Trailhead, Ardmore, and the Nickajack State Welcome Centers.
