Tennessee, December 5, 2025
Tennessee has experienced a remarkable surge in tourism, generating $31.7 billion in direct visitor spending in 2024. Alongside states like California and Colorado, Tennesseeโs tourism sector has seen significant growth, welcoming 147 million visits. Factors fueling this growth include successful cultural events and marketing investments that enhance Tennessee’s appeal. Hamilton County, including Chattanooga, contributed notably with a 4.23% increase in visitor spending. This trend reflects a broader national pattern of rising domestic travel across multiple states.
Record Tourism Growth in Tennessee and Other U.S. States in 2025
Chattanooga, Tennessee โ Tennessee has experienced a significant surge in tourism, joining Illinois, California, Colorado, Ohio, Texas, and other states in achieving record-breaking growth in domestic travel during 2025.
Record-Breaking Visitor Spending in Tennessee
In 2024, Tennessee’s tourism industry set a new record, generating $31.7 billion in direct visitor spending and welcoming 147 million visits. This marks a 3.3% increase from the previous year and a 35.5% growth since 2018, more than doubling the national average of 16.7%. Visitors spent an average of $87 million per day in 2024. The industry also contributed $3.3 billion in state and local tax revenue, saving each Tennessee household approximately $1,170 annually.
Growth in Specific Regions
Hamilton County, which includes Chattanooga, saw a 4.23% increase in visitor spending, reaching $1.8 billion in 2024. This growth is attributed to major events like the World of Bluegrass and IRONMAN, as well as new flight routes that have put Chattanooga on the international stage.
National Trends in Tourism Growth
Tennessee’s growth mirrors national trends, with several states reporting record-breaking tourism numbers in 2025. For instance, California is projected to welcome 271.6 million visitors in 2025, a 0.8% increase from the previous year, with visitor spending totaling $158.6 billion.
Factors Contributing to the Growth
The surge in tourism is driven by various factors, including the resilience of the tourism industry despite challenges like major weather events, investments in marketing and destination development, and the appeal of cultural hubs and urban experiences. Events like B.B. Kingโs 100th birthday in Memphis, the Grand Ole Opryโs 100th anniversary in Nashville, and Dollywoodโs 40th anniversary are expected to further boost tourism in Tennessee.
Conclusion
Tennessee’s record-breaking tourism growth in 2025 reflects a broader national trend, with several states experiencing significant increases in domestic travel. This growth underscores the importance of tourism as a key economic driver and highlights the state’s appeal to both domestic and international visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the total visitor spending in Tennessee for 2024?
Tennessee’s tourism industry generated $31.7 billion in direct visitor spending in 2024, marking a 3.3% increase from the previous year.
Which regions in Tennessee experienced the most growth in tourism?
Hamilton County, including Chattanooga, saw a 4.23% increase in visitor spending, reaching $1.8 billion in 2024.
How does Tennessee’s tourism growth compare to other states?
California is projected to welcome 271.6 million visitors in 2025, a 0.8% increase from the previous year, with visitor spending totaling $158.6 billion.
What events are expected to boost tourism in Tennessee?
Events like B.B. Kingโs 100th birthday in Memphis, the Grand Ole Opryโs 100th anniversary in Nashville, and Dollywoodโs 40th anniversary are expected to further boost tourism in Tennessee.
What factors are contributing to the surge in tourism?
The surge in tourism is driven by various factors, including the resilience of the tourism industry, investments in marketing, and appeal of cultural hubs.
Key Features of Tennessee’s Tourism Growth in 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Visitor Spending | $31.7 billion in 2024, a 3.3% increase from the previous year. |
| Visitor Growth | 147 million visits in 2024, a 35.5% growth since 2018. |
| Regional Growth | Hamilton County’s visitor spending increased by 4.23%, reaching $1.8 billion in 2024. |
| National Comparison | California projected to welcome 271.6 million visitors in 2025, with spending totaling $158.6 billion. |
| Contributing Factors | Resilience of the tourism industry, investments in marketing, and appeal of cultural hubs. |
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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.
