Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Chairman of Travel South USA. (Photo Credit: Tennessee Department of Tourist Development)
WHY IT RATES: The travel and tourism champion’s appointment comes on the heels of a record-setting year for Tennessee and bodes well for the region’s future success.—Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Editor
Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, will serve as the new Chairman of Travel South USA, the official regional destination marketing organization for the Southern United States. The nonprofit organization promotes travel to and within its member states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
Travel South USA’s mission is to establish the South as a top-tier global destination through marketing, sales, public relations and strategic partnerships.
“It is a true honor. I’m grateful and excited to serve as the new Chairman of Travel South USA, and partner with my fellow state travel directors from the southern states that make up this incredible organization,” said Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “As we reflect on six decades of momentum, we stay inspired and committed to our group’s cooperation and how the collective strength of shared resources has both guided and shaped the strong growth of our region. Together, we’ve built a legacy grounded in partnership, purpose and impact.”
Tennessee’s tourism industry set a new record in 2024, generating $31.7 billion in direct visitor spending and welcoming 147 million visits, according to data from Tourism Economics and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. In 2024, Tennessee saw a 12% year-over-year increase in international travel spending. New international non-stop flights from Dublin to Nashville and Reykjavik, Iceland to Nashville in 2025 only strengthen international momentum.
With new air service between Memphis and Knoxville; expanded routes into Nashville, Chattanooga and several regional airports; and luxury coach options like Vonlane and Gray Line, Tennessee is primed to attract even more visitors in 2025 with milestones like B.B. King’s 100th birthday in Memphis, Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary in Nashville, Dollywood’s 40th anniversary, IBMA in Chattanooga and the record-breaking attendance of MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol earlier this month. Programs like the upcoming MICHELIN Guide to the American South will continue to elevate Tennessee’s culinary brand.
Travel South USA’s two signature events, Travel South International Showcase and Travel South Global Media Marketplace, are cornerstone platforms for hosting valued tour operators and journalists to showcase the best of what the region has to offer. Its Global Partner Programming continues to deliver impressive returns on investment through dedicated, year-round consumer and trade initiatives. The Global Innovation Challenge is a shining example of best-in-class cooperative marketing, offering states and city DMOs the opportunity to pool resources and amplify their presence across digital, print and social channels, as well as during event marketing opportunities.
Travel South USA continues to deepen relationships with long-standing partners and building new ones with organizations like Brand USA, Michelin North America, Inc., Delta Air Lines, Miles Partnerships, the U.S. Travel Association, Rhythms of the South, International Inbound Travel Association, Tourism Economics, Longwoods International, and Esra Calvert Consulting.
Commissioner Mark Ezell’s role as the new chairman of Travel South USA will be to work alongside Travel South USA, state travel directors and partnership organizations to help drive growth, innovation and prosperity in the South, showcasing the authentic culinary scene, music, culture and outdoor experiences that define the region to a global audience. Travel South USA’s shared vision with Southern states is to reach $10 billion international spending to ensure the world knows the American South as a must-visit destination.
SOURCE: Tennessee Department of Tourist Development press release.
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