Johnson City rolls out the welcome mat for de-toured tourists

Johnson City, Tenn. – It’s time to roll out the welcome mat for thousands of newly detoured travelers making their way through Johnson City via I-26 because of the rock slide that has closed I-40 in North Carolina for a minimum of three months.

The Johnson City Chamber of Commerce’s Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) is encouraging those travelers to take time to stop, eat, shop, tour and spend the night in a campaign being called ‘The Best DeTOUR is Johnson City’.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation estimates that about 23 thousand vehicles normally travel the now closed stretch of I-40 highway each day.  Estimates are, that as many as 20 thousand of those travelers will take the recommended detour that runs through the East Tennessee city. The numbers mean that between early November and the end of February of 2010, 2.4 million new motorists will travel the stretch between the I-81/I-26 interchange to link up with I-40 in Asheville, N.C.  If a typical traveler spends just $20 in the Johnson City area during the period, the result could be a $48 million boost to the local economy.

“This opportunity can be a tremendous boost to Johnson City and the surrounding area,” says Brenda Whitson, Executive Director of the Johnson City Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.  “We want to make sure we make a positive impression on these travelers. Our campaign will assure that they’ll feel welcome to experience all the wonderful things Johnson City has to offerand hopefully make a return trip here for a longer stay.”

‘The Best DeTOUR Campaign’ will utilize radio commercials and billboards to welcome new motorists. Suggested hotel stays, dining and shopping options and tourist locations will be highlighted, including: The Hands On! Regional Museum, the new Natural History Museum and Visitor Center at the Gray Fossil Site and Historic Jonesborough. The effort will include mentions of trophy trout streams and will even invite travelers to take time out for a trip to a local spa.

“We are out to help our local businesses take advantage of this opportunity. We are in the midst of notifying businesses that they can opt to offer DeTOUR discounts to encourage motorists to visit their businesses,” said Gary Mabrey, President of the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce.