Tourism Enhancement Grants Awarded to 29 Tennessee Communities

Friday, October 27, 2023 | 11:23am

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – October 27, 2023 – Tourism is getting a boost in communities across Tennessee, as the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development announced today that the state awarded 29 communities over $2.22 million in Tourism Enhancement Grants.

Tennessee’s Tourism Enhancement Grants support cities and counties seeking to invest in their local tourism assets, lift visitation and increase economic impact. Eligible projects include stages, signage, historic preservation, ADA compliancy and other improvements to local attractions and venues.

“Tourism is vital for the growth and sustainability of communities throughout Tennessee, especially in our rural communities,” said Melanie Beauchamp, Assistant Commissioner of Rural Tourism and Outreach, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “These projects create opportunities for visitors, enhance the quality of life for residents and ultimately, bring more funds back into the communities.”

“We’ve seen first-hand how tourism can transform communities,” added Commissioner Mark Ezell, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Tourism development is economic development, and these investments are essential to Governor Lee’s mission to expand opportunity for rural Tennesseans.”

Tourism enhancement grants were awarded to 10 at-risk and distressed communities. The list of awardees follows, with a full list of projects here.

Organization	County	Award
Anderson County	Anderson	$100,000.00
Town of Bell Buckle	Bedford	$35,000.00
City of Maryville	Blount	$100,000.00
Decatur County	Decatur	$100,000.00
City of Smithville	DeKalb	$75,000.00
City of Dyersburg	Dyer	$100,000.00
Town of Tracy City	Grundy	$88,350.00
City of Bolivar	Hardeman	$28,500.00
Hawkins County	Hawkins	$100,000.00
Hickman County	Hickman	$11,500.00
Town of Dandridge	Jefferson	$100,000.00
Johnson County	Johnson	$31,500.00
Lauderdale County	Lauderdale	$4,987.50
Lewis County	Lewis	$76,000.00
City of South Pittsburg	Marion	$90,000.00
City of Columbia	Maury	$100,000.00
Maury County	Maury	$100,000.00
Meigs County	Meigs	$50,350.00
Moore County	Moore	$48,825.00
Perry County	Perry	$100,000.00
Putnam County	Putnam	$100,000.00
Town of Monterey	Putnam	$100,000.00
Sequatchie County	Sequatchie	$100,000.00
City of Sevierville	Sevier	$100,000.00
City of Kingsport	Sullivan	$100,000.00
Union County	Union	$100,000.00
Johnson City	Washington	$15,000.00
City of Martin	Weakley	$67,720.00
White County	White	$100,000.00

ABOUT TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on social media for travel inspiration.

Media Contact:
Amanda Murphy
Amanda.Murphy@tn.gov