A Minute to Reflect, Then Welcome 2017

Sitting back for a few minutes to reflect is encouraged at this time of year, but it is a challenge to do sometimes. After all, we not only are busy individually, this is one of the most hectic times of year in our industry. At least we hope it is, right?

But still, we need to look back. Seeing where we have been, I believe, helps us know where we are going.

And looking back, it has been a great year for tourism in Tennessee. We have broken records, shattered them really, in visitors and revenue.

The combined effort from you as partners, our agency, VML, and here at TDTD drove that.
 
Our digital Matchmaker campaign won two Cannes Lion awards and the work we did in Chicago earned a Clio.

We partnered with Garth Brooks to launch a Snapchat channel. Millions watched video vignettes of compelling stories capturing pertinent moments of Garth's career in Tennessee. To top it off, more than 7,000 people from at least 41 states and two countries showed up for a celebratory concert.

The Soundtrack of America is Made in Tennessee. But so is its spirit.

Even through tragedy we rose. As devastating as the fires were in Sevier County, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Gatlinburg in particular, our partners in the mountains were inspirational. As I spent time there, taking it in, talking with folks, some who lost their homes, I was blown away.

We often search for motivation from various places. I found it in Sevier County and a great philosopher... Dr. Seuss. 

When the Grinch "stole" Christmas, took all of the ribbons and tags and boxes and bags, the citizens of Who-ville still gathered around the tree, held hands and sang.

We are on a roll. But how we succeed is not only by our actions when things are well, but more importantly when they are not.

And from that, I think our future is bright.

Merry Christmas.

Kevin Triplett
Commissioner