The Swain County Tourism Development Authority has contracted with David Redman to serve as public relations and press consultant, according to TDA Chairman Scot Warf.

Redman, retired director of the Cherokee Tribal Travel and Promotion Office, has nearly 50 years experience in the tourism industry, Warf noted.

“During his 13 years in Cherokee, he worked frequently with the local Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in countering Tennessee’s claim to the Great Smoky Mountains as well as developing international tourism to the region.”

“With limited TDA monies for advertising, it was the board’s decision to greatly expand the current public relations and press program so it would complement our 2005 marketing effort. Redman will develop a comprehensive press contact list, write several articles about Swain County, develop an extensive and varied photo file, and establish a media presence on the Internet,” Warf said.

Prior to moving to Western North Carolina, Redman spent more than 30 years in Florida tourism including director of marketing and public relations for Marineland of Florida and executive vice president of the St. Augustine/St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce.

“With this new initiative, coupled with the paid marketing campaign, it is our hope the accommodations tax will increase significantly during 2005, providing there are no national or world situations which thwart travel during the year,” Warf said.