Tourism Committee rallies local businesses and lodging partners, uniting to highlight Carthage

Published 12:46 pm Monday, July 14, 2025

On Tuesday, July 1, the Panola County Chamber of Commerce’s Hotel/Motel Tourism Committee came together to discuss the vital role tourism plays in boosting the local economy and preserving the spirit of community in Carthage.

The meeting welcomed Tommie Ritter Smith, president of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, who provided updates on the Hall of Fame show returning this August. The celebration is expected to draw visitors from across the region for performances, festivities, and local flavor. Tickets are already on sale, and those interested in supporting the show or Hall of Fame efforts can call 903-694-9561.

As Smith and Chamber staff emphasized, events like the Hall of Fame show are about reminding people that Carthage has something to offer. From its rich musical legacy to the local businesses that line its streets, the goal is to help visitors see Carthage not as a stop along the way, but as a place worth staying.

“The purpose of the Hotel/Motel Tourism Committee really is to play a role in promoting Carthage as a destination through marketing efforts, event support, and partnerships with local businesses, hotels, and motels,” said Chamber Executive Director Keri Perot-Vance. “Carthage is a great place to visit, we have the overnight capability to host guests, and we want people to stay here and experience what our community has to offer.”

Operating as the tourism arm of the Carthage Chamber and its Convention and Visitors Bureau, the committee partners with local lodging hosts, business owners, and community organizers to support events and help spread awareness. That includes everything from distributing area maps and brochures to creating marketing materials and sharing event details.

“Everybody in the community can help share the great things going on and places to visit,” Vance said. “A lot of our businesses and industry benefit when there’s guests in town because they’re staying in our hotels, eating at our restaurants, or shopping at our local businesses.”

Though relatively new, the committee has a clear mission: celebrate what makes Carthage special and use that to build momentum for the future. Their work is especially important in a rural highway town like Carthage, where tourism can be the difference between a slow season and a thriving one.

The committee helps support a range of events that bring both locals and visitors together, including local sports tournaments, Texas Country Music Hall of Fame events in February, June, and August, Fourth of July celebrations at Lake Murvaul, rodeo ticket sales support in May, the KTBS Community Caravan in August, and the annual Potlatch Festival on Sept. 26, 27.

“These events show off the best of us,” Vance said. “They give us a reason to work together, to share what we love about living here. And when visitors feel that, they come back. Or better yet, they tell someone else.”

The committee is open to any Chamber member looking to get involved in building a stronger tourism presence in Carthage. Whether you run a business, own a motel, or simply care about the community’s success, there’s a place for you.

“If you’re passionate about tourism, this is a great way to get involved,” Vance said. “We invite our Chamber members to send us an email we’d love to have you helping with the committee and its activities. There’s always a seat at the table.”

With a full calendar of events ahead and an energized team of local advocates, the Hotel/Motel Tourism Committee is helping ensure Carthage is more than just a dot on the map it’s a destination worth discovering.