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Chamber reports tourism dip after hurricane; local events and marketing planned
Summary
Carter County tourism director reported a roughly 40% immediate drop in lodging-tax receipts after the hurricane with more recent declines of 2–3%; the Chamber highlighted state-supported destination optimization, paid and earned media placements, and the return of the Carter County Omnium bike race in late May.
The Carter County Chamber of Commerce presented its quarterly tourism report to the commission, describing the hurricane's effect on lodging taxes and recovery efforts.
The chamber's tourism director (who identified himself as Drew) said the immediate aftermath of the storm produced about a 40% decline in lodging-tax receipts, and in the last several months receipts are down only about 2–3% compared with prior periods. The Chamber is pursuing several promotions and partnerships — including state-supported destination-optimization work (a Miles Partnership program for TripAdvisor), a Google audit and activation, paid features in regional magazines, and distribution of Carter County brochures across nearby markets — to attract visitors for the spring and summer season.
Drew highlighted the May 31–June 1 return of the Carter County Omnium bike race, which typically brings 200–400 participants, and noted temporary route changes because of the Broad Street Bridge closure. Commissioners requested written reports and regular updates on metrics, which Drew agreed to provide.
