Tourism Week showcases historic sites initiative at Welltea Center near Portland

The Sumner County Tourism Board convened on May 27, 2025, to discuss recent initiatives and strategies aimed at enhancing tourism in the region. The meeting highlighted the successful outreach during Tourism Week, where the team engaged visitors at the Welltea Center near Portland. Attendees noted that the unique shape and content of their promotional materials stood out among the numerous brochures typically found at welcome centers, emphasizing a focus on tourism rather than economic development.

A significant topic of discussion was the ongoing efforts of the historic sites collaborative. The board has developed a collaborative calendar for local historic sites to promote their events and has rebranded these sites with a new name and logo for advertising purposes. Plans are underway to launch a promotional campaign for the historic sites in 2025, spearheaded by a team member who managed to coordinate the project on short notice.

The board is also working on a holiday event coordination plan and is providing training on social media usage to help historic sites enhance their visibility and cross-promote events. A key strategy discussed was the creation of a trail of historic sites, which will serve as a primary attraction for visitors. The board emphasized the importance of having a compelling "hook" to draw tourists to Sumner County, noting that people typically do not vacation in counties but rather in specific cities or attractions. The historic sites and the local lake were identified as the two main draws to attract visitors.

Additionally, the board is participating in the Hidden History Passports program, which allows visitors to explore local history. Due to ongoing developments at the Culver Barn, the board has set up a display that allows visitors to view the barn and learn about its history through curated exhibits.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to promoting Sumner County's diverse attractions and enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination. The next steps include further marketing efforts and the implementation of the historic trails initiative to capture the interest of potential visitors.