News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Monterey has launched a new tourism website promoting what the town has to offer.
Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary said learn where to eat, stay and play by visiting exploremontereytn.com.
“I just thought it was time that Monterey focused on Monterey, and so, what we’re trying to do is really figure out what we have to offer, why folks are interested in coming here and this has been the goal for all of this,” Cleary said.
Cleary said the site also includes tabs showcasing shopping and retirement opportunities. Cleary said he sees the launch benefiting sales tax revenue by reaching more people in the region.
“Bell Ridge Campground is a great example,” Cleary said. “There’s folks that come from all over the country with their RV’s, and they’ve got hundreds of RV spots at that place, and so, as folks come into Bell Ridge for example and they Google the town of Monterey. Hopefully, that tourism website pops up, and they get a glimpse of what our town offers and more folks come in and spend money.”
The new website continues the town’s goal of boosting tourism. Earlier this year, Monterey unveiled a new logo and branding initiative. While there is more work to be done, Cleary said he thinks the town has built a good package to show off its attractions.
“As folks start to see the end products of this stuff, I think it is kind of surprising to even the locals here like ‘Wow, I didn’t realize how much we do have to offer and how much focusing in on tourism trying to draw in new visitors could benefit with us. (…) Once we get everything completed and wrapped up, this is going to benefit our town in the long run.”
About $10,000 was allocated for the website during the budgeting process for this year. Cleary said Stone Creative in Cookeville created the site.
“It was early last week we got to see the final product and kind of made the decision to launch it on Thursday,” Cleary said. “The day before we had our concert here in Monterey seemed like the right time and right opportunity to do so. It’s a really good website both on mobile and desktop. Stone Creative some of the best not only in the area but the state in website design, and I couldn’t be more happy about the product.”
