UNION CITY, Tenn. — Tammy Ursery, director of group sales at Discovery Park of America, was recently awarded the 2026 Tour and Travel Associate of the Year by the Tennessee Motor Coach Association (TMCA). The award recognizes outstanding contributions by an associate member in supporting and promoting group travel and tourism within the motorcoach industry. The TMCA is the statewide organization that promotes the advantages of group motorcoach travel and represents motorcoach operators and related travel and tourism partners in Tennessee.
“This award recognizes outstanding leadership, dedication to advancing group travel and exemplary service in supporting the motorcoach industry,” said Joey Mills, CEO of Olympus Car and Coach and this year’s president of the TMCA. “Tammy’s work in promoting all of Northwest Tennessee as a premier destination, her commitment to excellence in group sales and her collaborative spirit embody the values we honor with this award.”
Ursery has worked at Discovery Park for 12 years in a variety of leadership roles, transitioning to group sales in 2021.
In 2024, Tennessee’s tourism industry set a new record with $31.7 billion in direct visitor spending and 147 million total visits, generating $3.3 billion in state and local tax revenue. A 2025 American Bus Association Foundation economic impact report shows that motorcoach travel, including group tours, generated a $158 billion economic footprint nationally in 2024, supported more than 890,000 jobs and produced $27.7 billion in taxes.
A recent economic impact study showed visitors to Discovery Park bring around $38 million into the region each year.
“When you look at Obion County, Tennessee, we have so much to offer visitors with attractions like Discovery Park, Reelfoot Lake and an impressive number of charming rural communities, shops and restaurants,” said Caroline Partin, executive director of Obion County Tourism. “I have attended group travel events with Tammy, so I know how passionate she is about our community and how valuable her knowledge of this region and Discovery Park is to those in the motorcoach industry.”