COLUMBIA — Three Columbia State Community College marketing students recently unveiled a comprehensive tourism concept for the town of Fairview after participating in the Tennessee Board of Regents Global Studies Iceland program, according to Columbia State. Students Gabby Curtis (Fairview), Xavier Viazcan (Lewisburg), and Montserrat Coronado (Spring Hill) developed "Fairview on Two Wheels," a destination marketing campaign centered on cycling, rail bike experiences, and local business engagement.
Studying abroad in Iceland—observing how small towns market themselves as tourism destinations—gave the students a perspective that would have been impossible to gain from a textbook. They visited communities that have built thriving visitor economies around landscape, culture, and outdoor recreation. They presented their Fairview concept to students at the University of Iceland, received feedback from tourism professionals, and returned to Middle Tennessee with their eyes opened to what is possible when a small town tells its story well.
The campaign includes a fully developed website and strategic marketing plan that outlines a bike trail system and rail bike dining experience while promoting local restaurants, small businesses, and community attractions. During the development process, the students learned to use AI tools to create visual content and craft a narrative that could connect with audiences well beyond Fairview's current borders. They built a model that is not fantasy—it is grounded in real tourism principles observed in Iceland, refined with feedback from professionals, and designed for actual implementation.
Lauren Ward, vice president of marketing and communications for Visit Franklin, reviewed the project and offered strong support for its potential. "The students' thoughtful approach to each piece of the campaign, from identifying target audiences and creating a brand-aligned project to overall visitor experience, was impressive," Ward said, according to Columbia State. Fairview, a small town in Williamson County with authentic rural character and proximity to Nashville, has untapped potential as a cycling and outdoor recreation destination. The students' work demonstrates what can happen when education connects directly to community economic development.
For Maury County's regional ecosystem, the project matters. Fairview's success as a tourism destination affects the entire region's reputation and visitor economy. When neighboring communities prosper through thoughtful marketing and investment in their assets, the rising tide lifts all boats. This student project, born from international study and refined through professional consultation, is the kind of practical work that builds economic resilience across Middle Tennessee.
Source: Columbia State Community College