ABOUT SCTTA
ABOUT THE SOUTH CENTRAL TENNESSEE TOURISM ASSOCIATION
Strengthening Communities. Supporting Tourism. Growing South Central Tennessee.
The South Central Tennessee Tourism Association (SCTTA) is a regional nonprofit tourism marketing and development organization dedicated to strengthening the visitor economy, supporting local communities, and creating opportunities throughout South Central Tennessee.
Established in 1973, SCTTA is one of nine regional tourism organizations recognized by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. We serve a diverse 13-county region that includes Bedford, Coffee, Franklin, Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Perry, and Wayne counties.
Through our consumer-facing brand, Experience Tennessee, we promote the destinations, attractions, businesses, events, and authentic experiences that make our region a remarkable place to explore.
But our mission extends far beyond destination marketing.
SCTTA works at every level of the tourism economy, connecting local governments, destination marketing organizations, tourism businesses, community partners, and visitors with the resources and opportunities needed to strengthen our region.
We believe tourism is more than an industry. It is a powerful tool for economic development, community investment, job creation, and improving quality of life for the people who call South Central Tennessee home.
How We Support South Central Tennessee
Our work is organized around five interconnected areas of support, each designed to strengthen a different part of the regional tourism economy.
1. Government Support
Helping Communities Plan, Develop & Prosper
SCTTA works alongside municipal and county governments, elected officials, and community leaders to advance tourism-related economic and community development.
We provide economic impact data, tourism research, grant development and administration assistance, policy consulting, legislative outreach, and guidance on projects that enhance both visitor experiences and quality of life.
Through our government support services, we help communities make informed decisions, identify funding opportunities, and turn tourism-related ideas into meaningful investments.
2. Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) Support
Strengthening Local Destinations Through Regional Collaboration
SCTTA partners with local tourism commissions, destination marketing organizations, chambers of commerce, and community tourism leaders to strengthen destination marketing throughout the region.
Our support includes foundational marketing programming, cooperative advertising opportunities, media and familiarization tours, editorial development, professional consulting, grant assistance, and industry advocacy.
By connecting local destinations with regional resources and collaborative marketing initiatives, we help communities expand their reach, maximize available resources, and compete more effectively for visitor attention.
3. Tourism Industry Support
Helping Local Businesses Succeed in the Visitor Economy
Locally owned businesses are at the heart of South Central Tennessee's tourism industry.
SCTTA works directly with lodging properties, restaurants, retailers, outdoor outfitters, attractions, entertainment venues, and other tourism-related businesses to help them become more visible, better prepared, and more connected to travelers.
Through our Tourism-Ready Program, we provide continuing education, industry insights, professional consulting, marketing resources, media opportunities, and assistance with fundamental tourism industry tools.
Our goal is to ensure businesses of all sizes have opportunities to participate in and benefit from the region's tourism economy.
4. Visitor Support
Connecting Travelers With More of South Central Tennessee
Through Experience Tennessee and our Regional Visitor Services Program, SCTTA connects travelers with the people, places, and experiences that make our region unique.
We provide personalized trip planning, direct visitor communications, travel inspiration, regional marketing programs, visitor information distribution, and ongoing visitor research.
Headquartered at the Tennessee Whiskey Trailhead & Welcome Center in Lynchburg, our visitor services program extends throughout the region through partnerships with local welcome centers, tourism organizations, and visitor-facing businesses.
Our focus is on encouraging travelers to stay longer, explore farther, discover more communities, and create greater economic opportunities across South Central Tennessee.
5. Regional Partnerships & Tourism Development
Building Partnerships That Create Lasting Opportunities
Tourism thrives when communities, organizations, and industries work together toward shared goals.
SCTTA develops and supports regional partnerships that connect tourism with economic development, outdoor recreation, music and cultural heritage, community revitalization, and other initiatives that strengthen South Central Tennessee.
Through collaborative programs, strategic partnerships, special projects, and regional advocacy, we help communities pursue opportunities that extend beyond individual destinations and organizational boundaries.
Our approach emphasizes shared resources, regional cooperation, and long-term investments that strengthen both the visitor economy and the communities it supports.
One Region. Thirteen Counties. Countless Experiences.
South Central Tennessee is a region defined by its people, natural beauty, small towns, music, history, and authentic Southern hospitality.
From the Tennessee Whiskey Trail and the Natchez Trace Parkway to our rivers, lakes, state parks, historic downtowns, festivals, and locally owned businesses, our region offers experiences that connect travelers with the character of Tennessee.
SCTTA works to ensure these assets are not only promoted but also supported, developed, and positioned for long-term success.
By connecting tourism marketing with community development, industry education, visitor services, and strategic partnerships, we help build a stronger and more sustainable regional tourism economy.
Our Commitment
Our commitment is to serve as a trusted regional resource, collaborative partner, and advocate for the people, businesses, and communities of South Central Tennessee.
We believe that successful tourism development should benefit more than the visitor. It should create opportunities for local businesses, support public investments, strengthen community identity, and improve quality of life for residents.
When our communities succeed, our tourism industry succeeds. And when tourism succeeds, the benefits reach throughout our region.
