By ALECIA PHELPS
Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell announced this week that Tennessee saw 119 million domestic visitors in 2018, up 5.1 percent from 113 million the previous year and hit a record-high $22 billion in domestic and international travel spending.
All eight counties representing Northeast Tennessee generated more than $877 million economic impact to the region from domestic travel, up 5.1% from the previous year. The counties of Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington had increases in overall economic impact from previous years.
“From our thriving cities to our beautiful rural landscapes and everything in between, Tennessee has solidified its place as a leader in tourism across the country,” Lee said. “Our booming tourism sector is outpacing the nation in every category. World-class food, music, and adventure are just a few things folks find when they come to Tennessee, and thankfully, folks are visiting this remarkable place more than ever.”
“Tennessee’s diverse cities and small towns offer quality tourism products and remarkable brands that drive visitation,” said Commissioner Mark Ezell. “We would not have these numbers if it weren’t for renovations, capital investments and passion shown by tourism partners across the state. The record-breaking millions who come here discover the music, history and culture, family experiences and scenic beauty that make Tennessee ‘The Soundtrack of America.’”
In 2018, Tennessee ranked number 3, after Pennsylvania and Colorado, for international spending growth over 2017, according to Tourism Economics. International spending growth in Tennessee is seven times the national average. Tennessee’s growth is outpacing the nation in all areas of travel; including tax revenue, expenditures, payroll and employment, creating a major return on investment and value to Tennessee taxpayers.
Northeast Tennessee continues to grow as a top destination for business and leisure travel each year. With the support of our region, jobs are created, tourist-related businesses and programs continue to develop, and our communities feel the positive impact of each dollar spent by folks visiting the area. As a region, this is an exciting time as we continue to work together to grow and showcase what makes Northeast Tennessee a great place to live and visit.
The Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association, chartered in 1977, is a non-profit tourism agency that serves and supports Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties, as well as portions of Southwest Virginia. The organization also serves as one of nine statewide regional tourism organizations recognized by Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
(Alicia Phelps is the executive director of the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association)