Knox named the new Atlanta Director of Tourism

The City of Atlanta has created a new role to draw tourists and promote the City of Atlanta. Late 2023 Kelsey Knox was named the new Tourism Director of Atlanta, Texas. In order to get to know a little bit about Kelsey the Journal-Sun asked some questions we felt the community might want to ask to get to know the new director of tourism.

JS: Can you give us some information on where you are from, a little bit about yourself, and your background?

Kelsey: I am originally from North Carolina, but I’ve called ten states home in my lifetime. I am passionate about history and the outdoors, which led to a decade-long career as a Park Ranger at various parks throughout the country, including Grand Canyon National Park. There are a variety of park ranger positions out there, and my specific role was as a Park Interpreter, which is essentially the park educator. I was responsible for developing educational programs & events, performing outreach, and creating marketing materials for print and social media.

I found my way to Texas in 2015 when I moved to Houston to work for Texas Parks & Wildlife. Shortly after, the Pineywoods Region became home when I accepted a position at Caddo Lake State Park, where I worked until 2020. In 2022, my husband and I moved to Atlanta to be closer to his family. I began working for the Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce soon after arriving, where I filled the role of Events & Communications Manager. Working for the Chamber and its members allowed me to quickly integrate myself into the community and gave me the opportunity to experience everything Atlanta has to offer.

I love the life my family has built in Atlanta, and I am grateful to have found this hidden gem in Northeast Texas. My husband and I recently purchased our first home, which we’ve filled to the brim with rescue animals, including four cats and a dog (the inn is full!). In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, Jeeping, camping, and exploring with my husband and stepchildren. I look forward to many more years in Atlanta.

JS: This is a new position just created here in Atlanta. What are your roles and responsibilities?

Kelsey: Yes, the Tourism & Visitor Center Director position was created in November 2023 by the City of Atlanta, with support from the Atlanta Tourism Committee. The Atlanta Tourism Committee’s role is to oversee the spending of local HOT revenue, which is collected from the Hotel Occupancy Tax. Spending of HOT revenue is regulated by the Texas Comptroller’s Office and can only be used towards initiatives that promotes local tourism and “put heads in beds” at hotels & motels within Atlanta’s city limits.

For many years, the Atlanta Tourism Committee contracted the Chamber of Commerce President to serve as a part-time administrator for the committee. These duties included operating the Mattie Lanier Richey Center, overseeing the budget/meeting agendas, and working with the board to develop marketing materials. Over the past several years, these duties began taking more and more time (which is a good thing – Atlanta is growing!) and the committee agreed it was time to hire a full-time Tourism & Visitor Center Director. That’s where I come in!

My role has many facets. I oversee the management and operations of the Atlanta Historical Museum & Visitor Center (the downtown depot) and the Mattie Lanier Richey Center. Additionally, I create and coordinate marketing campaigns and manage the Atlanta Tourism website and social media accounts. Finally, I serve as a liaison to the Atlanta Tourism Committee, City of Atlanta, hoteliers, professional associations, and civic organizations to conduct, assist with, and oversee the implementation of tourism-related strategies and activities in the City of Atlanta.

JS: What are some of your goals for tourism? Kelsey: I believe the creation of this position is an essential step towards enhancing Atlanta’s local economy and quality of life. As Atlanta, and the region, continues to grow we will be ahead of the game in attracting visitors to our area. Increased tourism in Atlanta results in more spending at local restaurants, stores, and hotels, which in turn provides more sales tax to be used towards road & utility improvements, business development, increased funding for first responders, and more. Simply put, increased tourism is a win/win for Atlanta, and winning is always the goal.

With that in mind, my long-term goals for tourism are to highlight the wonderful places, experiences, and activities that Atlanta currently has to offer, increase usage of the Mattie Lanier Richey Center (with a focus on attracting small conventions and trade shows), and to work hand-in-hand with other governmental departments and civic organizations to develop new tourism-related attractions and initiatives.

My goals for 2024 include the development of the new Atlanta Tourism website (debuting in the spring), increasing our brand visibility in outside markets through regional and state-wide publications, developing & distributing marketing materials for the new “Experience Atlanta” campaign, and updating the Atlanta Historical Museum with new exhibit panels. Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg, but at the risk of throwing in another overused phrase, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”.

JS: What are things that people should know about Atlanta that maybe they should?

Kelsey: There are a lot of things to do! Often, when you live somewhere, it is easy to get stuck in the mindset that there is nothing to do. But, if you look at Atlanta through the eyes of a visitor, you’ll realize that we offer many fun experiences catered towards a variety of interests. Some examples: History Buffs: Visit the Atlanta Historical Museum at the Depot, explore the antique shops downtown, pay your respects at the Veteran’s Plaza war memorial, complete a driving tour of Cass County’s twelve historical markers, visit Pine Crest Cemetery (designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery by the Texas Historical Commission), learn more about the Caddo and early pioneer history at Atlanta State Park.

Nature Lovers: We have our own state park – how lucky are we?! Atlanta State Park offers camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, birding, guided park programs, geocaching, and more. You could spend several days at the park alone. Additionally, the Atlanta Sportsplex complex has a 6-mile mountain biking loop and a community fishing pond. That not enough? Atlanta is also a great hub for exploring other regional parks. Caddo Lake State Park, Daingerfield State Park, and numerous Army Corps of Engineers parks are within a 35-mile radius of Atlanta.

Relaxation Seekers: Stroll through the streets of downtown and enjoy the restaurants, antique shops, & boutiques, have a picnic at Atlanta State Park, spend the afternoon relaxing on the porch with a charcuterie board and glass of muscadine wine at O’Farrell Country Vineyards, or take a tour at Chateau South.

Event Enthusiasts: Atlanta hosts SO MANY quality events for a small town. Events like SummerFest, Atlanta Local Maker’s Markets, and Moonlight Madness are well worth an overnight stay in our community! Nothing says Hallmark magic like a hometown event.

JS: How can people get involved in getting the word out about our great community?

Kelsey: Tell your friends, family, and new acquaintances what YOU love about our town and encourage them to visit. Share our upcoming tourism initiatives on your social media platforms to help get the word out. We have a lot of cool things in the works like being designated a Texas Film Friendly Community, and your shares help put Atlanta (Texas) on the map. You can follow us on Facebook at “Experience Atlanta TX” and keep an eye out for an announcement when the new website debuts.

Additionally, we have new Experience Atlanta rack cards, state park guides, and business directories available at the Depot. If you are hosting visitors, feel free to stop by and grab a few to hand out to your guests!

JS: Where will your office be located... and what are the hours you will be there and when the museum will be open?

Kelsey: My office will be located on the museum side (up the ramp) at the Depot. I am currently transitioning from my former office on the Chamber side of the building, but I should be fully moved over soon. My office hours are 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. I plan to be available in the office as much as possible, but as a department of one, I may be out and about on occasion.

The museum is open from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (closed 12:00-1:00 p.m. for lunch), Monday through Friday. If I am out of the office on the museum side, the wonderful ladies at the Chamber are always happy to let folks in the back way. Please note, that the museum is currently “under construction” as we fix and update exhibits. We appreciate your patience as we transition throughout the year. All good things come to those who wait!

JS: Anything else people should know. Kelsey: I’m here to help! If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please feel free to contact me. You can reach me at 903-650-2582 or kknox@atlantatexas.org.

Finally, if you encounter a visitor to our community, please greet them with a smile and our famous Southern hospitality. Residents who love and feel pride in their community are the best form of advertising!