An authentic experience is the cornerstone of why Americans travel. Many families have advanced from those days when we adhered to a rigid vacation plan and instead explore an area and seek fishing, hunting, paddling, historical/cultural opportunities.
In 2013, the Yellow Wood Association prepared a study titled, “Demand for Nature Based Tourism in the Lower Mississippi River Region”, which examines the economic benefits of nature based tourism like paddling, bird watching, hunting and cultural activities in the Lower Mississippi River Region. One of the studies central findings is that “tourism accounts for almost $4 billion in expenditures, over $2 billion in payroll, almost 60,000 jobs, $183 million in state tax receipts and $106 million in local tax receipts,” in the Lower Mississippi River Region.
The bad news is, “Despite the variety of river-related cultural, historical and natural assets, this region is one of the nation’s most economically distressed areas.” The good news is, the River has the potential to be a major tourism attraction which could drastically impact the regional economy.
The overall goal of geo-tourism is to promote the character of a place, showcase the natural, historical and cultural assets of that location and conserve these diverse attractions for future generations.
In this regard, river rats, our future is looking brighter!
The National Geographic Society’s Geo-tourism Division was in the Bluff City in March at the Mississippi River Connections Collaborative to discuss partnering with local and regional tourism leaders to develop an interactive map to guide visitors on expeditions up and down the River. This new Mississippi River Sustainable Destinations Initiative has a two-year timetable and it will have a great emphasis on environmental stewardship.
West Tennessee follows the River from Shelby County and meanders up to Lake and Obion County near Reelfoot Lake and Discovery Park of America. This corridor is filled with historic and cultural assets that the West Tennessee Day Tripping Bus Tours brilliantly packages ino various itineraries that highlight the Alex Haley Museum & interpretive Center, the boyhood home of the celebrated author of Roots , the Fork Pillow State Historic Park Museum & Interpretive Center and various town squares that give visitors a glimpse of some of the best soul food restaurants, antique shopping malls and musical talents in rural Tennessee.
Once visitors get a taste of how beautiful the natural environment is along the corridor and how rich in history, they will already be planning their next trip back before they have left.
Fort Pillow State Park (seen here) was the location of a significant Civil War battle.
Now, thanks to social media, we are just a scroll away with our smart phones of planning a trip with the latest travel apps. Check out some of the available apps at Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways website.
Nowadays, “Fun in the Sun” is not just for California or Florida beach fronts, nor is outdoor fun just a picnic in the park. Outdoor recreation is now accompanied with state of the art camping sites, greater River access for canoeing and kayaking, live shows, annual festivals, and green demonstrations in our local and state parks. As the study shows, we are becoming more environmentally conscientious. We are shopping locally and we are making deliberate decisions to protect our green spaces. Tn National Lampoon’s Vacation, Clark Griswold just wanted to spend more time with his family in a cross-country expedition to the Walley World amusement park. The sentiment is the same, but now consumer conscientiousness is different; leisure travelers today desire more personal and meaningful family activities in their own regional areas.
With outdoor and nature based tourism on the rise, we can play and escape in our own towns—along our own back roads and water ways.
With that said, let me take you to the River.
Your 1 Mississippi Ambassador for Tennessee,
Karen Thornton