Carter County Commission approves tourism partnership

ELIZABETHTON — One of the first items approved during Tuesday night's monthly meeting of the Carter County Commission was the approval of a new partnership to oversee tourist development and promotion the next three years. This new partnership includes the Elizabethton-Carter County Chamber of Commerce, the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association and BRIDGE Regional, Inc. According to a press release issued by the Carter County government on Wednesday, the agreement follows months of collaboration between Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby and regional partners to create a coordinated, data-driven approach to destination marketing and regional connectivity. They place Carter County as a premiere nature and heritage destination in Northeast Tennessee, while maximizing return on investment taxpayer dollars. The county said in its press release that visitors now spend about $53 million a year in Carter County, supporting local businesses and contributing to the overall quality of life. Through integrated marketing campaigns and expanded air service at Tri-Cities Airport, the partnership aims to generate 20-to-1 return on investment for every dollar the county invests. The key objectives include: • Increasing overnight stays; • Growing visitor spending to strengthen the local tax base; • Improving marketing performance and return on investment; • Establishing Carter County as a regional hub for outdoor adventure and history; • Expanding inbound air service to enhance connectivity and community opportunity. The partnership builds on existing tourism efforts and introduces fully integrated campaigns to create a clear, cohesive voice for Carter County. Marketing will focus on attracting travelers seeking authentic outdoor experiences and heritage tourism. "We are excited to elevate our partnership alongside Carter County, the Chamber and BRIDGE through a comprehensive destination marketing strategy that reflects the county's status as a pillar in Northeast Tennessee's tourism economy," said Alicia Phelps, executive director of Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association. "Carter County is home to nationally recognized treasures like Roan Mountain, the Appalachian Trail, Watauga Lake, and Sycamore Shoals, as well as cultural events and local flavor." "This collaboration is about more than visibility — it is more about the tangible economic impact visitor spending brings to local businesses and enhanced quality of life these natural and cultural assets provide to residents. From experience-based outdoor adventures to unique hometown businesses, Carter County is such a special community with a powerful story to tell. We are excited to join this effort, knowing that when one community in our region succeeds, we all do." The Elizabethton-Carter County Chamber of Commerce will continue operating the Visitor Center and maintaining its "boots on the ground" presence by assisting tourists, promoting local businesses and sponsoring community events. "At the Elizabethton-Carter County Chamber of Commerce, we are incredibly excited about what this partnership allows us to bring to the table," said Frankie Bailey, president of the Chamber. "Tourism is about people, place and connection — and this collaboration strengthens all three. By working alongside the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association and BRIDGE, each bringing unique strengths, we're able to enhance our efforts by focusing on what we each do best."