Report: Tennessee travel spending hit record $23B in 2019

NASHVILLE – A new report says Tennessee saw $23 billion in travel spending last year, again setting a new record.

The state Department of Tourist Development says the recently released 2019 numbers from the U.S. Travel Association also show a record 126 million domestic stays in Tennessee, up from 119 million the previous year.

The numbers reflect the industry’s growth before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tennessee’s tourism department says the report predicts the state’s travel economy could see a 35% to 45% decline in 2020.

“I’ve seen colleagues and friends lose their jobs, businesses and attractions closed and hotels sit empty,” Tennessee Tourism Commissioner Mark Izell said at a news conference Tuesday. “But now, with our businesses taking the Tennessee Pledge, our restaurants and attractions are ready to safety welcome travellers.”

The state department has received $25 million in federal coronavirus stimulus money to remarket Tennessee tourism due to the damage done by the pandemic.