State reports uptick in vacation inquiries

Tourist Development Commissioner Susan Whitaker said that after some Labor Day travel cancellations in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, she expects the state will see a rebound because inquiries for tourism information rose sharply.

In August, the department received 41,954 inquiries, compared with 18,355 in August 2004 and 11,452 in August 2003.

The state’s fall marketing campaign will emphasize Tennessee as an affordable and nearby getaway. TV spots are now airing across the state, on some national cable channels and in key U.S. markets.

“Someone who is going to take a vacation will be value-conscious,” Whitaker said. “They are not going to want to drive as far. We need to play that up in advertising.”

Some regions are betting they can attract some travelers who must rethink trips to areas struck by the hurricane. Whitaker said some who had planned to visit the New Orleans music scene may now look to Tennessee, which is stressing its music in an ad campaign featuring Dolly Parton and Isaac Hayes.

Gatlinburg is spending an extra $94,000 this fall and winter to target people who want to save money by visiting a nearby destination.

Walter Yeldell, public relations director for the Gatlinburg Department of Tourism, said the city felt the impact of higher gas prices over Labor Day.

“We fared well, but it wasn’t as busy as in the past,” he said.