FIVE MINUTES WITH... Edi te d b y S a r a h S u y d a m Photo © Mark Ezell
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Mark Ezell
Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Chair of the Board, Travel South USA
As Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Mark Ezell spearheads the state’s global tourism strategy. He is responsible for building national campaigns that reinforce Tennessee as a world-class destination while fostering long-term growth through revenue and job creation. We caught up with Ezell—a seventh-generation Tennessean—to learn more about where he sees the state and overall region heading in the future.
What initiatives or strategies are you prioritizing to ensure the South is a must-visit destination for group tour operators? The newest initiative we are so proud of is the work in procuring t he Michelin Guide to t he A merican Sout h, prov i ng t he reg ion’s d ist i nct ive f lavors a nd cu l i na r y innovat ion can match up w it h any where in t he world. We’re e x c ite d to c elebr ate t he t a lente d c hef s a nd restaurants behind t hese ex periences. In addit ion, we continue to grow inbound direct f lights throughout the Travel South region, because people are finding out how welcom i ng we a re w it h ou r d iverse tou r ism assets— music, outdoors, histor y, and culture. How does heritage and civil rights tourism fit into the future of group travel? We k now travelers want to learn and it’s an honor for us to inspire travelers and talk about the countr y’s past, hear impactful stories of the U.S. Civ il Rights Trail, and build hope for the future. W hat we’ve seen is six million v isitors at our 131 U.S. Civ il Rights Trail sites across 14 states in 2024, which brings $3.3 billion of total economic impact in the Travel South region.
How do you balance continuing to grow tourism while ensuring that growth is sustainable and benefits local communities? We grow tourism by work ing w ith local communities and stakeholders. For example, work ing w ith state parks on conser vation efforts and habitats, because we want to grow visitation while preser ving assets for the benefit of residents and future visitors. Partnerships are key to how we build out sustainable plans. Anything additional you’d like to add? We believe Travel South is a special region in the U.S. because a visitor can find authentic experiences—from breathtaking views at the largest national park in America to beautiful beaches to the sounds of live entertainment of music genres that span the entire music spectrum to world-renowned culinary—met with southern hospitality. In the South, all y’all are welcome.
“We grow tourism by working with local communities and stakeholders. ... Partnerships are key to how we build out sustainable plans.” 28
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