Travel officials in Eastern Tennessee are putting their promotional efforts on hold for the moment to concentrate on helping neighbors in communities impacted by the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.
Although Johnson City was greatly spared in comparison to our neighbors, the team at Visit Johnson City is committed to our residents, partners, and relief efforts as we pivot traditional operations to support the recovery of our beloved mountain home.
Our organizational response has been resident-centric, capitalizing on established relationships and the hospitable culture of our team. Although our out-of-market efforts have been temporarily halted, we continue to uphold our values of being welcoming, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and innovative professionals to drive sustainable economic growth and quality of place.
Our Visitor Center continues to be a welcoming beacon, although instead of servicing visitors looking to experience Johnson City and the region, we are supporting first responders, travelers attempting to return home, and those who have been displaced by the storm.
The Center has become a space of respite and a hub for connecting those in need to essential services. Water, snacks, charging stations, internet, telephone, restrooms, and hotel booking support are available during normal operating hours.
After receiving a warm welcome from our staff, our knowledge is then utilized to ensure relief resources are aligned with our guests’ needs. Our office is acting as a liaison to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency in sourcing accommodations in our limited inventory due to the high volume of first responders and displaced individuals utilizing hotel rooms.
In lieu of offering suggestions of where to eat, shop, and explore, our staff is offering guidance on where to donate and receive supplies, take shelter, shower, volunteer, and other resources provided by the United Way of East TN Highlands and Washington County/Johnson City Emergency Management Agency.
Visit Johnson City will continue to be enthusiastic champions for the greater region, as well as national brand ambassadors for Northeast Tennessee. We have been contacted by the news media to better understand the devastation and tragedy that has occurred and how they can support in telling our story currently and in the future.
Our Appalachian culture has demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity and will continue to do so moving forward. The tourism and hospitality industry, a driving force in our local and regional economy, will require time to recover. We embrace this challenge and move forward with a sensitive, balanced approach utilizing visitation as a vehicle for communal recovery with our residents’ well-being serving as our core intention.
On Oct. 21, Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association will lead us in a Day of Service. Additional details on this volunteer opportunity to assist our community and businesses in recovery efforts will be released soon. Please save the date and join us as we prioritize what truly matters: helping our neighbors and fostering a strong sense of community.
Like our resilient culture, the travel and tourism industry is prone to change due to legislative and economic variability.
This has created flexible, creative professionals with innovative minds to navigate unprecedented events. Our team at Visit Johnson City is no different, and we have initiatives in the pipeline to support our hospitality workforce and displaced members of our community.
We are currently finalizing a partnership with AVM Hospitality and Janitorial Supply, a major supplier of hotel inventory, who is offering to sell essential items at wholesale pricing directly to the public. Members of the community will have the opportunity to purchase supplies online to be delivered to our Visitor Center. Our team will then connect these donations to partner agencies and donation sites where the need is greatest. Additional information on this program will be available in the near future and shared with industry colleagues across the state of Tennessee.
The team succeeds in fast-paced and changing environments, and we will utilize these strengths for the betterment of our home. Visit Johnson City is here to support you.
Need assistance or a sympathetic ear? Please reach out to us! The united spirit of the region has proven unwavering, and we intend to move forward in this way to overcome adversity once again.
Our work in tourism promotion and development may look different right now, but we are confident the industry will be instrumental in our recovery efforts when appropriate. Your support and advocacy will be essential.
We call on our neighbors and friends to work together as we rebuild and emerge stronger than ever.
