Tourism – the second major financial driver in Tennessee

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

After agriculture, tourism is the second major financial driver in Tennessee. Interestingly, it doesn’t look to slow down anytime soon.

Roughly, Tennessee witnesses 100 million visitors every single year. Last year, there were more than 141 million tourists.

In 2022, Tennessee surpassed a record by making approximately $28.8 billion in direct tourism
expenditure. This shows a 19% upsurge compared to 2021 and the 2019 highest of just more than $24
billion.

Davidson County headed the charge, amassing roughly $9.97 billion, but tourism isn’t only in Music City.

Shelby County made around $4.02 billion, and it was followed by Sevier with $3.77 billion, Knox with $1.88 billion and Hamilton with $1.63 billion.

There is something for everyone in the Volunteer State – doesn’t matter whether you are on Broadway in
Nashville, in Beale Street for good barbecue or looking into Graceland in Memphis, watching University of
Tennessee football playoffs or visiting Dollywood in East Tennessee or even holidaying at Tri-Cities area
and Roan Mountain.

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