Memphis, August 28, 2025
News Summary
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development has reported a remarkable $31.7 billion in visitor spending for Tennessee in 2024, with Memphis metro area contributing nearly $4.3 billion. Shelby County ranks second in the state for visitor expenditures, underscoring the area’s growing tourism sector. The industry supports over 28,000 jobs and generates substantial tax savings for local residents. With a 36% increase in visitor spending over the last six years, Memphis continues to thrive as a major tourist destination, enhancing both economic stability and community appeal.
Memphis
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development has reported record-breaking visitor spending in Tennessee, totaling $31.7 billion for the year 2024. Among this remarkable figure, nearly $4.3 billion was generated in the Memphis metro area itself, underscoring the region’s thriving tourism sector.
Significantly, Shelby County accounted for $4.2 billion of the total visitor spending, placing it as the second-highest county for visitor expenditures in the state, just behind Davidson County. This impressive influx of spending is a testament to the appeal of Memphis as a tourist destination and highlights its vital contribution to the local economy.
The tourism industry in the Memphis metro area plays a crucial role in supporting over 28,000 jobs. The economic implications of this spending extend beyond revenues; tourism in Memphis saves taxpayers over $1,000 annually. This saving illustrates the financial benefits that tourism brings to the community, assisting with local expenditures without burdening residents.
Visitor Spending Growth
Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, emphasized the impact of focused efforts to leverage larger tourism budgets. The strategic investments have resulted in a growth of visitor spending by over 36% in the past six years. This dramatic increase indicates ongoing prosperity in the tourism sector and reinforces Memphis’s standing as a favored destination.
Economic Impact of Tourism
The reported visitor spending in Memphis reflects its strong tourism appeal and underlines its critical role in economic stability in the region. With Tennessee being one of the few states actively seeking to increase tax revenue from non-residents, the continued growth in tourism benefits not only Memphis but all seven million Tennesseans by boosting the economy and funding public services.
The influx of visitors not only brings tangible financial benefits but also enhances the cultural and recreational landscape of the Memphis area. Attractions, festivals, restaurants, and shopping experiences draw in tourists, creating a vibrant environment that contributes to the overall quality of life for residents.
Conclusion
The latest statistics from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development paint a promising picture for the Memphis metro area and the state as a whole. The continued growth in visitor spending indicates that the local tourism sector remains a major driver of economic activity, providing substantive support for jobs and tax revenue while enhancing the community’s appeal.
Key Features of Visitor Spending in Tennessee
| Feature | Stat |
|---|---|
| Total Visitor Spending in Tennessee (2024) | $31.7 billion |
| Visitor Spending in Memphis Metro Area | $4.3 billion |
| Visitor Spending in Shelby County | $4.2 billion |
| Jobs Supported by Tourism in Memphis Metro Area | 28,000+ |
| Annual Taxpayer Savings Due to Tourism | $1,000 |
| Growth of Visitor Spending in Last Six Years | 36% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total visitor spending in Tennessee for 2024?
The total visitor spending in Tennessee for 2024 reached $31.7 billion.
How much visitor spending occurred in the Memphis metro area?
Nearly $4.3 billion of the total visitor spending occurred in the Memphis metro area.
How many jobs does the tourism industry support in the Memphis metro area?
The tourism industry supports over 28,000 jobs in the Memphis metro area.
What is the annual savings for Memphis taxpayers due to tourism?
Tourism saves Memphis taxpayers over $1,000 annually.
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Additional Resources
- WREG: Visitors Continue to Spend Billions in Memphis
- Wikipedia: Tourism in Tennessee
- Tennessean: Tennessee Tourism Spending Breaks Records
- Google Search: Tennessee tourism 2024
- Memphis Flyer: Another Record Year for Tourism
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tourism
- Local Memphis: Trump Administration Limits Mexican Flights
- Google News: Memphis tourism
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
