Chattanooga, TN – According to the state officials, Tennessee tourism reached new heights in 2023, generating a record $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending and attracting 144 million visitors to the state.
According to newly released data from Tourism Economics and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, this marks a 6.2% increase in direct visitor spending from the previous year.
This growth continues Tennessee’s recovery trajectory, achieving a 125% recovery compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
**Key Highlights from the Economic Impact of Travel 2023 Report:**
– **Record Spending:** Tennessee’s tourism industry generated $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending in 2023, reflecting a 25% increase over the past two years.
– **Daily Visitor Expenditure:** Visitors spent an average of $84 million each day in 2023.
– **Tax Benefits:** Visitor spending contributed $3.2 billion in direct state and local tax revenues. Without this tourism revenue, each Tennessee household would face an additional $1,160 in annual taxes.
– The State of Tennessee collected $1.9 billion in tax revenues.
– City and county governments garnered $1.25 billion in tax revenues.
– **Job Support:** Visitor spending supported 191,522 direct jobs, representing one in every 24 jobs in the state. Employment related to visitor activity grew by 3% in 2023, nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels.
– **Recovery Metrics:**
– Domestic visitor spending has recovered to 127% of pre-pandemic levels.
– International visitor spending is at 81.6% of pre-pandemic levels.
– **Visitor Growth:** The state welcomed 144 million visitors in 2023, an increase of three million from 2022, with notable growth in day visits.
The robust performance of Tennessee’s tourism sector highlights its crucial role in the state’s economy, benefiting residents through job creation and significant tax relief.