Gov. Lee launches new marketing initiative in Tennessee to boost travel

JACKSON, TN (WNBJ) - Governor Bill Lee has launched a new initiative that is offering to buy plane tickets for tourists traveling to the major cities in the state.

The Tennessee On Me is a new initiative launched to promote tourism in the state. Some local tourism spots in Jackson voice their opinions on this new strategic plan.

Governor Lee announcing recently that the state will buy plane tickets using tax dollars for the first 10,000 people to book two-night stays at the hotels in Tennessee's largest cities like Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.

The general manager at the old town country store emphasizing what this initiative could do for the tourism industry.

“Tourism is our second largest state industry, second largest producing revenue. A dollar spent on tourism results in 19 dollars returned so it is a very profitable if you will, a great return on your investment, said Brooks Shaw, general manager at The Old Country store and Casey Jones Village.

Even though this marketing project is not directly affecting Jackson, the marketing director at the Doubletree Hotel saying this plan would help the states’ overall hospitality industry.

“We are thankful for all travel across the state because obviously, we want the hospitality to recover. We are fortunate in Jackson that we have hit milestones in the past couple of months, but it is still a daily struggle, and we definitely love to have some input to help bring tourism here to town,” said Mary Ross, Dir. of Marketing and Sales at the Doubletree Hotel.

These 250 dollar airline vouchers can be claimed if tourists reserve their accommodations through the Visit Music City website.