A significant void has been left in Natchez’s tourism efforts recently as the city removed its director of tourism and the entire oversight board.

The void will almost certainly create a sense of urgency among city leaders — and to some extent for good reason. The city’s tourism promotion business is an important one — both in scope as well as fiscal responsibility.

We urge city leaders not to rush into a hasty decision in the appointment of either an interim tourism director or in filling vacant seats on the Natchez Convention Promotion Commission.

As urgent as getting the crippled organization righted again, it’s more critical that the city know what it’s doing in appointing people and that those people clearly know their roles.

Communication between the tourism department, city leaders and to private stakeholders is critical.

We’ve seen what can happen when simple job responsibilities are unclear and various factions take up sides against one another — a civil war of sorts.

That’s what happened recently and the casualties were many, but perhaps none more important than the city’s own tourism momentum and the black eye the city has now. We hope the city will take its time and clearly work through all angles including considering whether a completely new structure of the Convention and Visitors Bureau may be in order.

Nothing should be off limits, but we urge city leaders to ensure all discussions are public and that any decisions are considered over time to allow public feedback.

Filling the void is important, but taking careful steps to avoid stepping into the hole is more important.