SOUTH CENTRAL

TENNESSEE

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES THROUGH TRAVEL

Travel is one of the most powerful economic development tools available to our communities. Every visitor who travels through South Central Tennessee—whether for a weekend getaway, a business meeting, a concert, a distillery tour, or simply passing through—creates opportunities for local businesses, supports jobs, generates tax revenue, and strengthens our local economies.

The South Central Tennessee Tourism Association (SCTTA) exists to maximize the impact of those opportunities.

As the regional tourism organization serving thirteen counties across South Central Tennessee, we bring together local governments, destination marketing organizations, tourism businesses, attractions, and community partners to build a stronger regional visitor economy. Our work extends far beyond marketing. We provide strategic consulting for local governments, strengthen destination organizations, support tourism businesses through education and partnerships, connect visitors with authentic experiences, and promote our region through the Experience Tennessee brand.

Every program we develop is guided by one simple belief:

When our communities succeed together, our region becomes a stronger destination.

Whether we're helping a newly elected official understand tourism's economic impact, assisting a local DMO with strategic planning, connecting a small business to new visitors through Tourism Ready, welcoming travelers at the Tennessee Whiskey Trailhead & Welcome Center, or inspiring visitors through ExperienceTN.com and our regional publications, our mission remains the same—to create stronger communities by maximizing the economic impact of travel throughout South Central Tennessee.

OUR STRATEGIC APPROACH

Everything we do is built around four interconnected areas of service that work together to strengthen our region's visitor economy.

DMO Services

Serving as an extension of local destination marketing organizations by providing strategic planning, marketing support, grant administration, tourism consulting, and destination development services.

Industry Services

Strengthening tourism businesses through Tourism Ready memberships, partnerships, education, networking, marketing opportunities, and industry advocacy.

Government Services

Helping local governments leverage tourism as an economic development strategy through research, consulting, grant assistance, advocacy, and policy support.

Visitor Services

Connecting visitors with authentic experiences through visitor communications, regional welcome center partnerships, destination information, travel planning, our visitor-facing regional brand Experience Tennessee, and the Tennessee Whiskey Trailhead & Welcome Center.

ONE REGION. ONE MISSION.

From the first inspiration to visit Tennessee to the final stop on a visitor's journey, SCTTA works every day to strengthen the connections between visitors, businesses, destinations, and communities.

By supporting our partners, developing tourism opportunities, and helping visitors discover more of South Central Tennessee, we are building a stronger regional economy—one visitor, one business, and one community at a time.

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TOURISM INDUSTRY BLOG

Here's What Happened in March

March proved to be a momentum-building month for the South Central Tennessee Tourism Association and our entire region, with progress on multiple fronts that continue to shape our long-term tourism strategy.

Colorful mural titled “Wave of Lace” featuring a large stylized hand reaching toward a white flower, surrounded by intricate lace-like patterns and geometric designs in shades of blue, teal, and coral, part of the Walls for Women project in Tennessee.

How to Bring Murals to Your Town

Murals have become a powerful tool for rural communities looking to enhance their sense of place, boost tourism and attract visitors. When done well, a single wall can evolve into a recognizable landmark—something people photograph, share and build travel plans around long after the paint dries.

SCTTA speaks to a seated audience inside Wayne County meeting room, with a projected slide titled “Partner Benefits” displayed at the front of the room.

SCTTA Industry Newsletter - March

2026 Winter Tourism-Ready Workshop, new Music Census opportunity, and more coming March 2026.

Looking Ahead to 2026: What's next for Experience Tennessee

SCTTA CON 2025 was an absolute blast, and I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who showed up, participated, and helped make the day such a success. The energy in the room reminded me why this region, and this industry, is so special. For me personally, the highlight of the day was honoring Captain Rodney. He has been a mentor to me and to so many of us, and his dedication to tourism and community leadership will be felt for many years to come. Captain Rodney truly

Why Experience Tennessee Is Moving To Native Content Advertising

The way people consume travel information has changed. Today’s travelers are more discerning than ever. They’re looking for authenticity, real stories, real visuals, and real expectations of what an experience will feel like when they arrive. Traditional display advertising, while familiar, often interrupts that journey. Native content, on the other hand, complements it.