Bredesen Outlines Plans To Expand Tourism Economy
by Bob Keast
Executive Director of Tennessee Association of Resorts, Marinas and Marine Dealers

Nashville, TN – In what is becoming a regular pattern in the governor's race, Phil Bredesen last Friday presented plans to expand Tennessee's tourism economy, while Van Hilleary declined the opportunity to speak on the issues. Hilleary did spend about 10 minutes with the board of directors of the Tennessee Tourism Roundtable. Bob Keast of Birdsong is a current charter member and a past board member of the Roundtable, whose mission is to provide a unified voice of Tennessee's tourism industry.

Earlier this month, Bredesen made remarks at the Tennessee Hotel and Lodging Association, another forum that Hilleary declined to attend. The lodging industry represents over 2,000 properties in Tennessee.

"There are clear differences between me and my opponent in the ways we approach tourism. It is unfortunate that Hilleary will not join the industry's leaders from across the state to explain how he would grow this rich resource," Bredesen told Keast and the other 350 participants in the Governor's Conference on Tourism at the Hilton Suites Downtown.

During Bredesen's eight years as Mayor of Nashville, the city experienced a 40% increase in tourism and a 50% increase in "tourism" revenues. Bredesen revitalized downtown and laid the groundwork to bring professional sports to Nashville. Keast commented, "Bredesen is a true outdoorsman and has deep roots into tourism". Bredesen appeared before over 3000 sportsmen at the TWRA's duck blind drawing in Big Sandy back in August of this year.

Pointing to a wealth of unique attractions in Tennessee, Bredesen said the state is now poised to take advantage of shifting trends in leisure travel. "Rural and off the beaten path tourism is part of his philosophy," according to Keast.

"The events of September 11 have changed the way Americans think about travel. As families look increasingly to vacation destinations within driving distance of home, Tennessee is geographically situated to benefit from the shift." Tennessee is located within 500 miles of a majority of the population of the United States, making it a potential driving destination for most of America's vacationers.

"Tourism is a serious, competitive business that brings jobs and big revenues to Tennessee. We've got assets, particularly our many heritage sites, that match what people are looking for," Bredesen said. He listed natural, historic and cultural attractions -- from the Ocoee River to the Shiloh battlefield and the Museum of Appalachia -- that can be developed and promoted to draw more visitors and dollars to the state.

If Bredesen is elected governor, he will maintain a cabinet-level position for tourism that reports directly to him. He will support funding for cooperative marketing and advertising, and he will bring stakeholders to the table, including representatives from convention and visitors bureaus, restaurants, hotel and lodging, parks, resorts, marinas and campgrounds.

Bredesen has been traveling the state, holding roundtables on subjects including tourism, healthcare, education, homeland security and economic development in an effort to hear from Tennesseans on the front lines of various industries.

Tourism is the second-largest industry in Tennessee, drawing more than 38 million visitors who spend approximately $10 billion annually. Tourism in Tennessee generates as many as 176,000 jobs, which account for $4.4 billion in wages.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Bredesen made sense last week when he focused on Tennessee's tourism industry. His call for a dedicated source of funding so the Department of Tourism would not be at the mercy of legislators makes sense. Our state's tourism industry is an important, multi-billion dollar source of revenue and a major engine of economic development for Tennessee. It deserves to be protected. Bredesen is smart to realize the importance of tourism. When a tourist comes to Tennessee we have plenty for them to do. From Memphis' historic Beale Street, to Nashville's Music Row; from Shiloh Battlefield to the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, to the scenic Tennessee River's beautiful Kentucky Lake, there is literally something for people of all tastes in the Volunteer State.

But tourism's impact goes well beyond just the high-profile attractions. It also has a major effect on the success of countless restaurants, hotels and retail businesses across the state. Even the gas stations lining our highways are affected.

Now that Bredesen has focused attention on the tourism issue, he is seizeing the opportunity to expound on his plans for a steady revenue source for the industry and selling it to voters, "Tennessee Sounds Good To Me". He is expanding his scope and will find a way to protect our state parks, natural treasures which have been the victim of lawmakers' irresponsibility the last few years.

After the conference, Bob Keast had an opportunity to talk serious tourism and marketing with Bredesen one on one and related to him, that Benton County's Birdsong Resort and Marina and the Tennessee River Fresh Water Pearl Farm and Tour brings in tourists from all fifty states and six foreign countries. "A Pearl Of A Tour" combined together with the revenue of Birdsong's fishing, camping, cottage rental, bass tournaments, etc. - assists in a large portion of the tourist tax dollars Benton County generates. The Tennessee Freshwater Pearl Farm, Tour and Museum is ranked at number 24 in the list of Tennessee's Top Attractions which include Graceland, Dollywood and more. "I am extremely humbled and honored to be put on the same list as the Great Smoky Mountains, Elvis and Dolly", said Keast whose Benton County operation brings in over 200,000 visitors per year. Keast and Ceil Walker of the Walker Advertising Agency of Memphis, stressed the importance of a continued marketing and advertising plan, outlining the benefits of Tennessee's tourism.

According to the 2002/2003 Marketing Plan published by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Benton County is ranked the 5th most visited county in the Northwest region of the state. The state of Tennessee ranks number 12 in the top 20 most visited states in the U.S., bringing in 37.9 million people annually. Benton County generated $15.3 million in tourism dollars out of the state's total $9,932.96 billion. This dollar amount brings Benton County to rank at number 51 of the 95 counties for tourist revenue.

Keast understands that promoting Tennessee and its tourism product, not only benefits his business, Birdsong Resort, Marina and Campground and the Pearl Tours on Kentucky Lake in Camden, but for Benton County and the bigger plan - the state of Tennessee. Birdsong is one of Benton County and Kentucky Lake's oldest businesses still in operation - for well over 50 years providing a unique recreational experience to the tourists of Tennessee. Bredesen's focus on tourism makes sense.

Tourism is one of the brightest jewels in Tennessee's crown. It must be protected from lawmakers' whims and Mr. Bredesen stance on tourism is to do just that.