GOVERNMENT SERVICES
The South Central Tennessee Tourism Association (SCTTA) works alongside local governments, elected officials, and community leaders to strengthen the economic impact of tourism and support the long-term success of communities throughout our 13-county region.
Tourism is more than attracting visitors. It is an economic development tool that supports local businesses, generates tax revenue, creates jobs, improves public spaces, and contributes to the quality of life for residents.
SCTTA provides local governments with access to research, professional guidance, strategic planning, and hands-on assistance to help communities make informed decisions and capitalize on opportunities connected to the travel and tourism industry.
Whether a community is pursuing funding for a new project, evaluating tourism's economic impact, developing local policies, or seeking guidance on a community initiative, SCTTA serves as a resource and partner.
Government Support Services
1. Data Reviews & Economic Impact Summaries
Understanding tourism's economic contribution is essential to making informed decisions.
SCTTA assists local governments with reviewing tourism-related data, interpreting visitor spending trends, and preparing economic impact summaries that demonstrate how travel and tourism contribute to local economies.
These resources can support budget discussions, strategic planning, public presentations, grant applications, and conversations about future community investments.
2. Tourism-Related Community Development
Strong tourism destinations begin with strong communities.
SCTTA works with local leaders to identify and advance community development opportunities that enhance visitor experiences while improving quality of life for residents.
Support may include downtown revitalization, public spaces, recreational assets, cultural attractions, music and arts initiatives, tourism infrastructure, and other projects that strengthen a community's identity and economic potential.
3. Grant Development & Administration
From identifying funding opportunities to managing awarded projects, SCTTA helps communities navigate the grant process.
Services may include researching available programs, developing project concepts, preparing grant applications, coordinating partnerships, and assisting with grant administration, reporting, and project implementation.
Our goal is to help communities pursue available resources and successfully move worthwhile projects from ideas to reality.
4. Policy Development & Legislative Consulting
Local policies and state legislation can directly influence tourism development, economic opportunity, and community growth.
SCTTA provides research, guidance, and consultation to help local governments evaluate policy decisions affecting the travel industry.
This includes reviewing proposed ordinances, exploring tourism-related funding mechanisms, evaluating development policies, and helping community leaders understand relevant state legislation and regulatory considerations.
5. Community Advocacy & Legislative Outreach
SCTTA helps connect the needs and priorities of South Central Tennessee communities with decision-makers at the local, regional, and state levels.
Through community advocacy, legislative outreach, and relationship development, we work to increase awareness of regional tourism priorities and encourage collaboration on initiatives that benefit our communities.
Our role includes helping local leaders communicate community needs, identify potential partners, and navigate opportunities for state and regional support.
6. Elected Official Support Program
Effective local leadership benefits from access to reliable information, professional resources, and experienced guidance.
SCTTA's Elected Official Support Program provides consultation and assistance to mayors, county executives, city council members, county commissioners, and other local officials on matters involving tourism, community development, and local policy.
From evaluating a proposed development to understanding tourism funding opportunities or exploring new community initiatives, SCTTA offers a resource for elected officials seeking practical guidance and informed perspectives.
This program is designed to complement existing local government resources and help elected leaders make decisions that support their communities' long-term success.