# Tennessee tourism economic growth > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tennessee-tourism-economic-growth > Updated: 2026-09-02T19:58:59.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-02: Tennessee tourism generates record spending in 2025 Tennessee 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tennessee-tourism-generates-record-spending-in-2025 ### 2026-08-31: Tennessee tourism spending reaches record levels in 2025 Tennessee'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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tennessee-tourism-spending-reaches-record-levels-in-2025 --- Cite as: Tennessee tourism economic growth. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tennessee-tourism-economic-growth