Following Tuesday’s deadly tornadoes, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. has released an update on the storm’s impact on the destination’s tourism product, as well as how travelers can help those affected by the disaster.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of support and concern since the devastating tornado,” said Butch Spyridon, president and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., in a written statement. “While our focus remains on helping victims and Nashville recover, we have been asked questions about the impact on tourism, conventions and meetings, especially by groups arriving in the coming weeks.
“Downtown Nashville and the city’s entertainment district were untouched. With minor exceptions, the city’s hotels, restaurants, meeting spaces, attractions and venues are open. Shows went on Tuesday night at the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, Lower Broadway honky tonks and other live music venues. Current conventions are ongoing at Music City Center. There was never a disruption at Nashville International Airport. All major attractions are open, except for the Tennessee State Museum due to road closures in North Nashville. SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament has announced it will go on as planned starting March 11. We are grateful that even with all the devastation, the music keeps playing in Music City. At times like these, we not only have to help our neighbors recover but also keep them working and the industry generating tax revenue for the city and state.
“We are overwhelmed by the support and donations to aid in recovery taking place in the impacted neighborhoods of East Nashville, Germantown and Donelson. We are continuing to raise funds through Music City Inc., and those funds will be immediately distributed directly to families significantly impacted, with a priority on those employed in the hospitality industry.”
Those interested in helping with immediate needs can make a donation to Music City Inc., the 501c(3) charitable foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
- Online: https://secure.visitmusiccity.com/registration/tornadorelief.aspx
- Venmo: VisitMusicCity
- Paypal: donate@visitmusiccity.com (recipient name)
- Check: payable to Music City Inc. Foundation; send to One Nashville Place, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite G-250, Nashville, TN 37219
Nashville Mayor’s Office also encourages donations to the following:
- Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund: cfmt.org
- Community Resource Center: crcnashville.org
- Hands On Nashville: hon.org
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