Tennessee tourism spending reaches record levels in 2025

Tourism in Tennessee saw significant economic growth in 2025, with the state recording a record $32.5 billion in direct visitor spending and $3.3 billion in state and local tax revenue. The state's tourism economy has grown 40% since 2018, outpacing the national growth rate of 22%.

In Northeast Tennessee, visitor spending reached $1,009,706,301, an 8.9% increase from 2024. This growth rate more than tripled the statewide increase of 2.7%. The Northeast Tennessee region, comprising eight counties, has seen spending rise 35.8% since 2018.

Knox County also reported strong performance, with visitors generating $2,208,345,965 in spending, a 3.9% increase over 2024. This also exceeded the statewide growth rate. Knox County's tourism spending has grown 35.7% since 2018, driven largely by increases in lodging. The county ranked fourth among Tennessee's 95 counties for visitor spending.