Tennessee tourism generates record spending in 2025

New data from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and regional associations shows significant economic growth driven by tourism in 2025. In Rutherford County, visitor spending reached approximately $804.5 million, a 2.1% increase over the previous year. This spending generated over $47.7 million in state tax revenue and $31.1 million in local tax revenue, effectively reducing the tax burden for local households by an estimated $609 each.

Similarly, the Upper Cumberland region reported $549.4 million in direct visitor spending for 2025, averaging more than $1.5 million in daily spending across its 14 counties. This regional boost provided tax savings equivalent to $387 per household. Notable growth was observed in Van Buren County, which saw an 86.6% increase in visitor spending since 2018, attributed to investments in Fall Creek Falls and a general trend toward outdoor activities.

Across the entire state of Tennessee, the tourism industry generated a record $32.5 billion in direct visitor spending in 2025, contributing $3.3 billion in state and local tax revenue. The state's tourism economy has grown by 40% since 2018, nearly doubling the national growth rate.