Molly Brown
Former Putnam County Tourism Executive Director Molly Brown is the new owner of Tour the Upper Cumberland. She plans to elevate and expand the tour agency highlighting attractions, history, experiences and other points-of-interest of the 14-county region.
During the last 10 years, Ms. Brown has marketed the Upper Cumberland to visitors and travel media, both in her roles with the local visitors bureau, and as the public relations media manager for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. She specialized in planning regional tours while also building relationships with Upper Cumberland hospitality partners.
“Upon departing from the visitors bureau in mid-October, I was ready for a new chapter,” said Ms. Brown. “I knew I wanted to stay in the travel industry but focus on something more entrepreneurial.
“This opportunity allows me to utilize my industry experience and relationships to serve a sector I am passionate about, while featuring the small businesses, unique attractions, and various points-of-interest of my community and region."
A native of Fentress County, Ms. Brown’s tourism background is marked primarily in public relations, which requires planning of press tours for travel journalists and social influencers. Her familiarity with hosting such tours, as well as already having established relationships with key tourism partners in all 14 counties, should fair well for the newly acquired business, said officials.
“There is so much opportunity for continued tourism growth in the Upper Cumberland,” said Ms. Brown. “From some of Tennessee’s most renowned state parks to historic landmarks to brewery, winery and distillery tours, there’s something for everyone.”
Initially, Ms. Brown will be auditing and reviewing the current website, social media platforms, and tours established by the previous owners. Additionally, she plans to determine target markets and grow the business to offer multiple tours per week with booking options for local residents and visitors.
Examples of expanded options include tours such as a Native American Heritage Tour, connecting with Monterey’s Standing Stone Day Festival, as well as a History & Heroes Tour, highlighting local military history, veterans’ halls, and Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park.
Ms. Brown also plans to partner with Tennessee State Parks and Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area to feature the countless outdoor experiences of the region, from waterfall tours to guided hikes to ranger meet and greets.
Private tours, family reunions, corporate retreats, and familiarization tours for relocating or prospect industry teams/leadership will also be a focus for Tour the Upper Cumberland. Pricing and booking information will be announced at a later date.
Expanding the tour options will create a need for expanding the Tour the Upper Cumberland team. Ms. Brown is currently accepting resumes and plans to hire tour guides and CDL-licensed drivers.
Businesses, attractions, and other hospitality partners from the region are encouraged to reach out with interest in being featured as a tour stop or as a sponsor. All inquiries may be directed to tourtheuc@gmail.com.
Follow @tourtheuc or go to tourtheuc.com for the most up-to-date information and news from Tour the Upper Cumberland.
About: Tour the Upper Cumberland serves a 14-county region on the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee, located between Nashville and Knoxville, just north of Chattanooga. The Upper Cumberland region is rich with scenic beauty, unique points-of-interest, incredible history and heritage, and countless festivals, events, and experiences. Tour the Upper Cumberland highlights these amenities with guided shuttle bus tours, creating a relaxing and worry-free opportunity for guests and locals to explore the region. Shuttles offer 12-passenger and 22-passenger options as well as ADA accessibility.