Work on this project will begin in November with a survey that will be sent to visitors, residents and part-time residents to fill out. The TDA is partnering with Charlotte-based Young Strategies Inc., who were selected as part of a competitive process for tourism research.

“The data we gather from this survey is invaluable in shaping our future as a tourism destination and more importantly a place to live, work and play,” JCTDA Director Nick Breedlove said. “We want to ensure we are preparing ourselves to be sustainable as a destination, while growing small businesses, adding and sustaining existing jobs, and enhancing and maintaining our natural resources.”

The survey will be distributed through a variety of platforms, but the TDA encourages residents to only fill out the survey once. “The more responses we receive, the better the data we have to guide marketing and strategic planning,” Breedlove said. 

Next year, the TDA will utilize data gained from this project as a base for their strategic planning process, expected to be complete by May 2019. 

All survey responses are confidential and those who complete the 10-minute survey have a chance to win one of two $250 VISA gift cards. The survey can be completed online at https://www.research.net/r/JCTDA-SmokyMtnNewsr/JCTDA-SmokyMtnNews.