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2 clusters · 4 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated
Tennessee tourism economic growth
Overview
In 2025, Tennessee’s tourism industry reached record economic levels, with direct visitor spending totaling $32.5 billion and contributing $3.3 billion in state and local tax revenue. The state’s tourism economy has grown 40% since 2018, a rate that significantly outpaces the national growth rate of 22%.
Regional data highlights varied growth across the state. In Northeast Tennessee, visitor spending rose to over $1 billion, an 8.9% increase from 2024. Knox County also reported strong performance with $2.2 billion in spending, driven largely by lodging.
In Rutherford County, visitor spending reached approximately $804.5 million, a 2.1% increase over the previous year, which helped reduce the estimated tax burden for local households by $609 each. The Upper Cumberland region reported $549.4 million in direct spending, providing tax savings equivalent to $387 per household. Notably, Van Buren County saw an 86.6% increase in visitor spending since 2018, linked to investments in Fall Creek Falls and increased interest in outdoor activities.
Entities
Tennessee Department of Tourist Development · Tourism Economics · Upper Cumberland · Visit Knoxville · Tennessee
Timeline
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10 days ago
[BUSINESS] 2 sourcesTennessee tourism generates record spending in 2025Tennessee tourism saw record growth in 2025, with Rutherford County generating $804.5 million and the Upper Cumberland region contributing $549.4 million in visitor spending.
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12 days ago
[BUSINESS] 2 sourcesTennessee tourism spending reaches record levels in 2025Tennessee's tourism industry reached record levels in 2025, with statewide spending hitting $32.5 billion. Knox County and Northeast Tennessee both reported growth rates exceeding the state average.
Sources
elizabethton.com · knoxfocus.com · murfreesboro.com · ucbjournal.com