Experience TN kicks off shop local holiday campaign

From sweet treats at Velma’s to unique items at the Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant Gift Shop to handmade soaps from the Lynchburg Soap Company – lots of cool gifts are made in Tennessee and a new Experience Tennessee campaign wants to help you find them. (Images Provided)

LYNCHBURG, Tennessee (Monday, November 18) — Tis the season and with more folks than ever looking to shop local this holiday season, the South Central Tennessee Tourism Association (SCTTA) headquartered here in Lynchburg kicked off their Give The Gift of Tennessee holiday campaign on the Experience Tennessee website today. It’s a program that promotes SCTTA partner deals, discounts, special offers, and holiday gift items direct to consumers. 

The program provides a platform for local businesses to showcase what makes Tennessee special, from exclusive behind-the-scenes tours and discounted accommodations to seasonal dining specials and artisan workshops, handmade arts and crafts, and more. Businesses, attractions, restaurants, lodging locations, and Destination Marketing Organizations are invited to offer unique discounts, experiences, and exclusive opportunities targeted to both residents and visitors. 

“This special seasonal initiative is designed to boost local businesses and tourism across the region,” CEO Ryan French, South Central Tennessee Tourism Association, said. “This is a great way to spotlight the region and is free to all SCTTA partners. I’m hoping for 100 percent participation.” 

These deals will be displayed on a dedicated landing page on ExperienceTN.com. The site will feature direct links for online purchases or specific instructions for redeeming the offer in person, making it easy for consumers to shop local this season. Participating partners can expect to reach a wider audience through this creative opportunity. 

Experience Tennessee will support the initiative with a robust digital marketing campaign, a targeted traditional and social media strategy, and will activate influencers and ambassadors to aggressively promote Give The Gift of Tennessee. In December, 13 Days of Christmas will be launched via social media, featuring festive photos of Santa exploring each of Experience TN’s 13 counties. The campaign will culminate on December 25th with a final post celebrating the holiday season.•

{The Lynchburg Times is a locally-owned and locally-operated community newspaper in Lynchburg, Tennessee and one of the few women-owned newspapers in the state. It’s owned by a Tulane University-educated journalist with over 20 years of experience. If it happens in Lynchburg, you’ll read it here first. Click here to support us.}