Tourism is the second largest industry in the State of Tennessee; therefore, it must be incorporated into growth plans in order to create a thriving economy in urban and rural communities alike. It is essential that industry leaders contribute to tourism development efforts that generate sustainable growth by supporting sustainable development opportunities.  

TENNTIP is a mechanism to fundraise for meaningful, positive interventions in tourism that advance ongoing programs, create innovative initiatives that strengthen the tourism workforce, and contribute to asset development in the fields of art, outdoor recreation, and heritage tourism. TENNTTIP allocates financial resources for project execution and reduces financial barriers for entities that have insufficient funds for matching grants that otherwise could prove transformational. Lastly, TENNTIP’s structural framework calls for the creation of an endowment fund that will result in long-term funding for projects and initiatives. The endowment will eventually be used to fund tourism positions, send aspiring professionals to hospitality and tourism vocational schools and universities and support projects that enhance the appeal of Tennessee tourism, especially in and around the south-central region of the state.