Tourist Development

Middle Tennessee Tourism Council

GNRC has coordinated and staffed the regional tourism committee - Middle Tennessee Tourism Council -  since 1992. This includes receiving tourism matching funds through the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development for direct promotion and services, with reimbursement to GNRC for incidental expenses. The Council also provides training and scholarships for members.

GNRC provides assistance to communities and tourism organizations, coordinates tourism efforts among counties, and coordinates the matching grant program for members participating in the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development activities. GNRC works closely with the Commissioner of the Department of Tourist Development to expand the impact of tourism in the rural parts of the state, focusing on those counties not performing in the top five.

Tourism Council Membership 

Tourism Council membership is open to any designated marketing organizations, chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, local governments and hospitality-related businesses within the GNRC’s 13 county region. Annual membership ranges between $75-$100 based on the type of organization. A membership application can be found here. 

Scholarship Grants

This program is funded through the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and is open to members of the Middle Tennessee Tourism Council who are the designated marketing organization, chamber of commerce, or economic development agency responsible for promoting tourism initiatives within Middle Tennessee. Scholarship grants will be awarded based on funding availability. 

Marketing Grants

This program is funded through the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and to all members of the Middle Tennessee Tourism Council. Grants may be used to cover a variety of marketing expenses.