A group stops at the Look Rock area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2015. (Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tourism in Tennessee continues to grow, with 2023 on track to be another record year for visitor spending.
According to newly released data from the Office of Tourism Economics and the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development (TDTD), the state is on track to see $30.6 billion in direct tourist spending and 144 million visitor arrivals in 2023. This represents a 6.2% increase from 2022 and marks the second consecutive year of double-digit growth. This marks Tennessee’s 125% recovery from pre-pandemic 2019 levels, according to the state.
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TDTD announced that tourists will spend an average of $84 million per day in 2023, and that tourist spending generated $3.2 billion in direct state and local taxes. The state collected $1.9 billion in tax revenue, and city and county governments collected $1.25 billion. Without tourists, Tennessee households would pay an additional $1,160 in taxes each year, according to TDTD’s announcement.
“When tourism grows, Tennessee benefits from increased sales tax revenue,” said Governor Bill Lee. “Tourism boosts local economies, supports businesses and jobs, funds public services and improves the quality of life for all Tennesseans. From Mountain City to Memphis, we welcome visitors from around the world to experience Tennessee’s music, beautiful outdoor scenery, culture and food.”
In terms of jobs, TDTD said tourist spending sustained 191,522 direct jobs, which represents one in every 24 jobs in the state. Tourism-supported employment has also recovered to 98% of pre-pandemic levels. Other key highlights shared by TDTD include the state’s recovery to pre-pandemic levels: domestic tourist spending has recovered 127% to 2019 levels, and international tourist spending has recovered 81.6% to 2019 levels.
“Tourism in Tennessee is booming, benefiting Tennesseans,” said Tennessee Tourism Development Commissioner Mark Ezell. “This incredible achievement is a credit to our tourism marketing organizations and leisure and hospitality businesses across the state. This record growth is a testament to the strength, resilience, determination and hard work of our people, and the efforts of our industry to ensure visitors enjoy Tennessee’s Sound Perfect.”
The full Economic Impact Report for Travel in 2023 will be released in August and will include in-person visitor spending data for all 95 counties. TDTD works with the Tennessee Tourism Commission, local convention and tourism bureaus, chambers of commerce, city and county leaders, tourism facilities across the state and the hospitality industry to promote travel to Tennessee.
