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Nashville's new siren call to regional tourists: We're 'Good to Go'

Sandy Mazza
Nashville Tennessean

Nashville tourism officials have a new slogan and plan to kick-start the lagging economy as Metro leaders prepare to reopen all businesses as soon as next month. 

The message: The city is "Good to Go." 

Safety is the key to bringing throngs of shoppers and diners back to city streets, said Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. CEO Butch Spyridon. 

The campaign is a collaboration between the NCVC, Vanderbilt Health, and Ryman Hospitality Properties – owner of Gaylord Opryland and other major attractions. 

"People are looking for a safe environment. On any given day, we have less revenue than most of our competition," Spyridon said. "So, in light of this, we have to be better funded and better prepared because it's going to be an arms race between Vegas and Disney and some of those markets."

Businesses are being asked to agree to stringent safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, in order to join the initiative.

Participants will be able to display the initiative's symbol – a green music note – at their locations and on websites and marketing materials. 

Vanderbilt medical experts will advise businesses on the safest operating procedures, and Spyridon and others will get the word out about the city's increased vigilance. 

Already, most major businesses in town have expressed interest in participating.

"I think ‘Good to Go’ is going to help motivate and provide a boost for people to think ... we’re all in this together," Mayor John Cooper said. "We’re going to establish that reputation that we’re the place in the country that people really warmly want to come back to because we’re doing such a good job.”

Related:A new normal for 'New Nashville' tourism

Marketing efforts will begin with digital, radio and print ads in the top nine regional markets within 300 miles.

The partnership will seek Metro funding to spread the word nationally as U.S. tourism resumes. 

It will include a dedicated website, signage for participating businesses, and expert tips on infectious disease prevention.

“Nashville has carefully managed many of the issues that have disproportionately impacted other major cities. Our success has been possible through creative problem solving by leaders from government and major industries who have joined together around a shared vision for how best to help the city get safely back to business,” said Vanderbilt University Medical Center CEO Jeff Balser.

“’Good to Go’ will ensure that informational tools and best practices are readily available for businesses working to keep their employees and customers safe. Vanderbilt Health is proud to play a leadership role in this effort.”