NATCHEZ — In hopes of boosting tourism, Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell is working to establish a sister city agreement with Nashville.

Grennell said he traveled to the Music City in Tennessee last week to meet with Nashville Mayor Megan Barry. The two discussed Nashville and Natchez becoming sister cities.

“We both begin and end the Natchez Trace Parkway, and we’re both part of the Americana Music Triangle,” Grennell said.

Grennell presented Barry with information and materials about Natchez, so the mayors could begin to work out what aspects of their respective cities they could connect.

“I think the biggest (benefit) would be in respect to tourism,” Grennell said. “I think it would be a drawing card for both of us in terms of the Natchez Trace connection and the music connection. I would also like to see a joint festival happen in both areas.”

Grennell said sister city agreements are typically formed between cities in different countries, but said he thinks an agreement between Natchez and Nashville makes sense.

“Who knows what other possibilities and doors could open because of this?” Grennell said.

The two mayors have handed the project over to the tourism directors in both cities. Grennell said the tourism departments in Nashville and Natchez will work together to formulate a plan so a sister city agreement can be approved by both cities.