Davidson And Shelby Lead Charge While Knox, Hamilton, Rutherford, And Montgomery Drive New Tennessee Tourism Tsunami With Record-breaking Spending

Published on September 3, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Davidson and Shelby lead nan complaint while Knox, Hamilton, Rutherford, and Montgomery thrust nan Tennessee tourism tsunami pinch record-breaking spending, and nan latest update shows really powerful this momentum has become. Davidson continues to radiance pinch euphony events and taste attractions, while Shelby strengthens its clasp pinch Memphis practice and iconic landmarks.

Knox and Hamilton adhd to nan tourism tsunami pinch outdoor adventures, sports, and vibrant metropolis life. Rutherford and Montgomery bring maturation done history, festivals, and caller visitant experiences. Together, Davidson, Shelby, Knox, Hamilton, Rutherford, and Montgomery shape nan backbone of a Tennessee tourism roar that fuels record-breaking spending and adds spot to nan US economy.

The tourism tsunami is nary longer conscionable astir large cities but astir each region moving together to move visitors into semipermanent maturation and prosperity.

Tennessee Tourism has erstwhile again proven to beryllium nan beating bosom of US economy, pinch each region successful nan authorities reaping rewards from travellers adjacent and far. The latest report, covering nan twelvemonth 2024 and released successful mid-2025, shows that visitant spending, tourism taxation collections and net person reached record-breaking levels. From nan music-filled streets of Nashville to nan scenic trails of nan Smokies, nan Volunteer State has turned its charm into billions of dollars successful economical activity.

A Record Year for Tennessee Tourism

The caller information from nan Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Tourism Economics reveals a statewide boom. In 2024, Tennessee welcomed much than 147 cardinal visitors who spent $31.7 cardinal crossed nan state. That equates to astir $87 cardinal each azygous time being poured into section shops, restaurants, attractions, and hotels.

This spending translated into $3.3 cardinal successful authorities and section taxation revenues, easing nan load connected Tennessee households. In galore counties, officials item really this reduces nan taxation bills of residents, pinch savings ranging from respective 100 to complete a 1000 dollars per household.

Tourism is besides a awesome employer. More than 200,000 jobs crossed Tennessee are straight supported by visitant activity, and nan payrolls connected to those jobs relationship for billions successful earnings. The ripple effect spreads moreover further into mini businesses, arena organisers, and section suppliers.

Davidson County Nashville Leads nan Pack

Davidson County, location to Nashville, erstwhile again held its crown arsenic Tennessee’s tourism capital. In 2024, visitors spent $11.2 billion successful nan county. This represents a 4.17% increase compared to nan erstwhile year.

The taxation effect was conscionable arsenic significant. Tourism generated much than $1.1 cardinal successful authorities and section taxation revenues. Of that, astir $693 cardinal went to nan state, while $464 cardinal was collected locally. Officials constituent retired that this influx of gross saved nan mean Nashville family $3,678 successful taxes.

Tourism net successful Davidson County besides stood out, pinch labour income connected to tourism reaching $3.08 billion. With iconic attractions specified arsenic Broadway’s unrecorded euphony venues, nan Country Music Hall of Fame, and awesome sporting events, Nashville continues to harvester civilization and commerce to anchor nan state’s tourism economy.

Shelby County Memphis Holds Second Place

Shelby County, location to Memphis, secured nan 2nd spot successful Tennessee’s tourism rankings. While nan nonstop maturation complaint was not detailed, visitant spending reached complete $4.2 billion.

Memphis draws travellers done a unsocial blend of euphony history, barbecue culture, and nan mighty Mississippi River. Graceland, Beale Street, and nan National Civil Rights Museum stay staples of some home and world visits. With this beardown pull, Shelby County has cemented its domiciled arsenic a tourism powerhouse 2nd only to Nashville.

Sevier County Smokies Shine pinch Natural Tourism

Sevier County, which covers Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and nan gateway to nan Great Smoky Mountains National Park, continued its climb pinch $3.93 billion successful visitant spending successful 2024. That fig marked a 2% year-on-year increase.

Tourism taxes for Sevier County exceeded $438 million, pinch $251.7 million collected by nan authorities and $187.2 million locally. Residents saw taxation savings of $11,191 per household acknowledgment to tourism.

The county’s earthy beauty, taxable parks, and family attractions stay an unmatched draw. Dollywood, upland resorts, and hiking trails each provender into nan dependable travel of travellers that makes Sevier 1 of nan astir tourism-dependent counties successful nan full United States.

Knox County Knoxville connected nan Rise

Knox County, pinch Knoxville astatine its centre, recorded $2.13 billion successful visitant spending successful 2024, an summation of 4.34% from 2023.

Tourism delivered $213.9 million successful authorities and section taxes. The divided shows $134.8 million for nan authorities and $79.1 million for section coffers. Each family successful Knox County benefited from a taxation simplification of $1,084 owed to this visitant activity.

With its lively downtown, assemblage spirit, and proximity to nan Smokies, Knoxville is expanding its entreaty arsenic some a leisure and arena destination. Sports tourism, conventions, and taste festivals proceed to adhd to its maturation story.

Hamilton County Chattanooga Hits New Heights

Hamilton County, location to Chattanooga, achieved record-breaking visitant spending of $1.81 billion successful 2024. That represents a 4.23% increase compared pinch nan erstwhile year.

Tourism generated $186.4 million successful authorities and section taxation revenues, which provided an mean taxation savings of $1,232 per household.

Chattanooga’s occurrence stems from its operation of awesome sporting events for illustration IRONMAN, taste gatherings specified arsenic World of Bluegrass, and recently expanded formation connections. Combined pinch its estimation arsenic a scenic stream city, Hamilton has positioned itself arsenic a increasing prima successful Tennessee tourism.

Williamson County Franklin Benefits from Steady Growth

Williamson County, anchored by nan metropolis of Franklin, saw visitant spending emergence to $1.37 billion successful 2024, an summation of 3%.

Tourism taxes reached astir $118 million, divided betwixt $52 million successful authorities gross and $65.9 million successful section revenue. With its Civil War history, vibrant main street, and luxury events, Williamson continues to pull some home visitors and world visitors looking for authentic Southern charm.

Rutherford County Murfreesboro Expands Reach

Rutherford County, including Murfreesboro, generated $787.6 million successful visitant spending successful 2024, up 1.91% from nan anterior year.

Tourism provided $77.2 million successful taxation revenues, pinch $46.7 million to nan authorities and $30.5 million for section government. Each family saved astir $614 successful taxes because of tourism.

As 1 of nan fastest-growing counties successful Tennessee, Rutherford’s expanding infrastructure, sports events, and humanities attractions are creating a coagulated instauration for moreover stronger tourism numbers successful nan future.

Blount County Nature and Economy Go Hand successful Hand

Blount County, pinch gateways to nan Smokies specified arsenic Townsend and Maryville, reported $610.9 million successful visitant spending successful 2024, a patient 6% increase complete nan erstwhile year.

Tourism generated $57.9 million successful mixed authorities and section taxes. Each family saw a taxation use worthy $1,063.

Blount besides shared specifications of its tourism earnings, pinch $218.8 million successful payroll supported by nan manufacture and 4,952 jobs created aliases sustained. For a region profoundly tied to outdoor recreation and earthy scenery, nan equilibrium betwixt conservation and tourism maturation continues to beryllium good managed.

Montgomery County Clarksville Builds Momentum

Montgomery County, location to Clarksville, generated $419.6 million successful visitant spending successful 2024. Tourism provided astir $43 million successful authorities and section taxation revenues, including astir $27 million astatine nan authorities level and complete $16 million locally.

Clarksville is gaining nickname arsenic a taste and subject hub, pinch beardown connections to Fort Campbell and a rising floor plan for arts and riverfront tourism. These elements person fixed Montgomery County a coagulated spot successful Tennessee’s apical 10 tourism counties.

Washington County Johnson City Steps Up

Washington County, covering Johnson City and Jonesborough, posted $348.3 million successful visitant spending successful 2024, an awesome 9.5% increase from nan erstwhile year.

Tourism brought successful astir $36 million successful authorities and section taxation revenues. Households enjoyed an mean taxation savings of $633 owed to visitant contributions.

The county’s practice tourism, festivals, and expanding nutrient and beverage segment are lifting its floor plan wrong East Tennessee.

Wilson County Holds nan Tenth Spot

Wilson County, including Lebanon and Mt. Juliet, rounded retired nan state’s apical 10 tourism counties pinch $370.7 million successful visitant spending. While taxation breakdowns were not specified, Wilson’s location on awesome interstates and its increasing suburban attractions are adding to its tourism economy.

It is besides a region poised for continued maturation acknowledgment to its proximity to Nashville, making it charismatic for visitors who want some metropolis entree and suburban experiences.

Regional Strength successful Northwest Tennessee

Beyond nan large names, smaller counties are besides showing beardown returns. In 2024, nan 9 counties that dress up Northwest Tennessee generated $317 million successful visitant spending, an summation of 5.3%. The region besides collected $29.7 million successful tourism-related taxes.

Within this region, Obion County led pinch $80.1 million, followed by Dyer County pinch $74.7 million, and Henry County pinch $69.4 million. Even nan smaller counties specified arsenic Lake, Crockett, and Benton are benefiting from niche tourism tied to outdoor recreation and practice trails.

Tennessee Destination Guide for US Tourists

If you’re readying a travel done Tennessee, you’ll observe a authorities that blends nan hit of music, nan grandeur of nature, and nan charm of Southern hospitality. With record-breaking tourism numbers successful 2024, Tennessee has cemented itself arsenic 1 of nan United States’ astir vibrant recreation destinations. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls successful nan Great Smoky Mountains, stepping down neon-lit Beale Street, sipping whiskey successful Lynchburg, aliases soaking up unrecorded euphony successful Nashville, this is simply a destination that invites exploration successful layers. Here’s your complete, in-depth guideline to Tennessee’s attractions, hotels, short-term rentals, sports, and railways.

East Tennessee: Smokies, Knoxville, and Chattanooga

The eastbound portion of nan authorities is defined by melodramatic upland scenery, small-town warmth, and family-friendly attractions.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is nan jewel of Tennessee tourism. Drawing much than 12 cardinal visitors successful 2024, it remains nan astir visited nationalist parkland successful nan United States. Here, you’ll find wildflower-lined trails, mist-draped ridges, and wildlife ranging from achromatic bears to elk. Popular stops for illustration Clingmans Dome and Newfound Gap connection sweeping views, while Laurel Falls rewards you pinch a refreshing cascade aft a mean hike.

In adjacent Pigeon Forge, Dollywood reigns arsenic nan region’s apical taxable park. Dolly Parton’s creation features roller coasters, Appalachian crafts, and nan beloved Dollywood Express, a vintage steam train ride. The park’s resorts — nan DreamMore Resort and nan precocious opened HeartSong Lodge — widen nan acquisition pinch cozy, mountain-lodge hospitality.

Chattanooga is arsenic rich | successful attractions. Lookout Mountain presents a trifecta of must-sees: Ruby Falls, a spectacular underground waterfall; Rock City Gardens pinch its chromatic arches and panoramic Seven States view; and nan Incline Railway, 1 of nan steepest rider lines successful nan world. Downtown, nan Tennessee Aquarium traces a river-to-ocean travel crossed 2 striking solid buildings connected nan waterfront.

In Knoxville, you tin rotation Market Square for boutique shopping and section dining, climb nan iconic Sunsphere from nan 1982 World’s Fair, and reconnect pinch quality astatine Ijams Nature Center, a 318-acre sphere pinch caves, quarries, and paddle-friendly waterways.

Middle Tennessee: Nashville and Beyond

Middle Tennessee thumps pinch nan bosom of American music. Nashville is some honky-tonk and haute cuisine, mixing neon-soaked Broadway pinch luxury hotels and Michelin-level dining.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, nan Ryman Auditorium, and nan Grand Ole Opry create a triangle of visit sites for euphony lovers. At nan Opry, tours return you down nan scenes of nan shape that launched legends. The Ryman’s storied walls echo pinch gospel, country, and rock. And astatine nan Hall of Fame, archives sphere decades of America’s philharmonic evolution.

Not each attractions are music-focused. The full-scale Parthenon successful Centennial Park gives Nashville a taste flourish, while whiskey seekers caput for nan Tennessee Whiskey Trail. A sojourn to Lynchburg’s Jack Daniel Distillery aliases Cascade Hollow’s George Dickel Distillery offers an authentic sensation of Tennessee craftsmanship.

Outside nan capital, Franklin charms pinch Civil War history and boutique-lined Main Street, while Tullahoma introduces aviation history astatine nan Beechcraft Heritage Museum.

West Tennessee: Memphis and nan Mississippi Delta

No travel to Tennessee is complete without Memphis, wherever nan Delta meets psyche and stone ’n’ roll.

Graceland remains nan crown jewel, drafting Elvis Presley fans from astir nan world. The 120-acre analyzable includes nan mansion, Elvis’ car collection, and his backstage aircraft. The Guest House astatine Graceland offers an immersive overnight enactment conscionable steps away.

A stroll down Beale Street delivers a sensory feast — neon lights, steaming barbecue, and unrecorded blues spilling from clubs into nan nighttime air. Pair it pinch a sojourn to Sun Studio, nan signaling birthplace of Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

The National Civil Rights Museum, housed astatine nan Lorraine Motel wherever Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, is 1 of nan astir powerful taste landmarks successful nan United States.

From history to euphony to nan mighty Mississippi River, Memphis captures nan South’s extent and soul.

Railways and Scenic Train Journeys

Railways adhd some applicable and romanticist touches to Tennessee travel.

For long-distance travelers, Amtrak’s City of New Orleans connects Memphis pinch Chicago and New Orleans, stopping astatine nan historical Central Station.

WeGo Star, Nashville’s weekday commuter train, runs from Lebanon to Riverfront Station, offering a applicable measurement to skip postulation into downtown.

Heritage railways bring nostalgia. In Chattanooga, nan Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum runs steam and diesel excursions for illustration nan Missionary Ridge Local. Knoxville’s Three Rivers Rambler offers seasonal rides, including nan beloved Christmas Lantern Express. The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, dubbed “America’s Most Amazing Mile,” climbs astatine a 72.7% people — 1 of nan world’s steepest. Inside Dollywood, nan Dollywood Express entertains families pinch a five-mile steam journey.

Memphis travelers tin hop aboard nan MATA Trolley, a operation of restored vintage streetcars moving constricted loops done downtown.

Future plans are arsenic exciting. Federal studies are exploring caller rider routes linking Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Nashville, perchance transforming obstruction connectivity successful nan years ahead.

Sample Itineraries

For those pinch conscionable a fewer days, present are suggested routes to seizure nan tone of Tennessee:

Music and Whiskey Trail: Start successful Nashville pinch a Ryman tour, an evening astatine nan Opry, and a extremity astatine nan Parthenon. Then caput southbound to Lynchburg for a Jack Daniel’s distillery sojourn earlier continuing to Chattanooga for nan Tennessee Aquarium and Lookout Mountain.

Smoky Mountain Escape: Base yourself successful Pigeon Forge for a Dollywood day, past hike nan Smokies for waterfalls and vistas. Finish successful Knoxville pinch a Sunsphere climb and Ijams paddle adventure.

Memphis Heritage Weekend: Explore Graceland and Sun Studio, feast connected Beale Street, and adjacent pinch nan National Civil Rights Museum. Stay astatine The Peabody for nan iconic duck march.

Practical Travel Tips

• Peak seasons successful nan Smokies are outpouring break and autumn foliage; commencement early aliases sojourn astatine sunrise to debar congestion.
• Major festivals and shot weekends waste retired hotels quickly; book months ahead.
• Nashville’s commuter obstruction only runs weekdays, while Amtrak work is presently constricted to Memphis.
• Verify Airbnb permits earlier booking, particularly successful Nashville and Memphis.

Tennessee is not 1 destination but galore — a mosaic of music, mountains, barbecue, and history. It’s a authorities wherever nan echoes of Elvis meet nan power of unrecorded hockey, wherever steam trains and whiskey distilleries coexist pinch modern luxury hotels, and wherever quality still holds halfway stage. Whether you’re readying a three-day flight aliases a two-week roadworthy trip, Tennessee promises experiences that enactment pinch you agelong aft you’ve left.

Where to Stay: Hotels and Luxury Retreats

Tennessee caters to travelers of each tastes, from historical hotels to luxury upland retreats.

In Nashville, The Hermitage Hotel is simply a century-old landmark and Tennessee’s only Forbes Five-Star property. Modern elegance defines nan Four Seasons Hotel Nashville and nan JW Marriott Nashville, some pinch rooftop pools overlooking nan skyline.

In Memphis, nan historical Peabody Hotel is world-famous for its duck march done nan expansive lobby each day. The Guest House astatine Graceland is simply a resort-style action cleanable for Elvis enthusiasts.

Chattanooga boasts boutique gems for illustration The Read House, a historical spot pinch Gilded Age flair, and The Edwin Hotel, perched on nan Tennessee River.

For those craving quality and refinement, Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain successful nan Smoky Mountain foothills connection luxurious lodges, farm-to-table dining, and wellness escapes that regularly look connected world best-of lists.

Airbnb and Short-Term Rentals

Short-term rentals person surged crossed Tennessee, though rules alteration by city.

In Nashville, 2 types of permits exist: owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied. Since 2022, caller non-owner-occupied rentals are banned successful residential zones, limiting options to commercialized areas. Rules besides headdress occupancy and enforce information standards.

In Memphis, a licence is required, pinch a $300 first interest and $150 yearly renewal. Properties operating earlier July 2023 whitethorn beryllium grandfathered successful nether definite conditions.

Travelers should book only permitted properties, arsenic enforcement is progressive and rules are city-specific. Expect beardown play request successful Nashville, wherever median occupancy runs betwixt 56 and 59 percent.

Sports and Events Worth nan Trip

Sports are portion of Tennessee’s taste DNA, and timing your travel astir a crippled aliases arena adds unforgettable energy.

In Nashville, nan Tennessee Titans tie NFL fans to Nissan Stadium, while nan Nashville Predators support Bridgestone Arena roaring pinch NHL hockey. Nashville SC, nan city’s Major League Soccer team, plays astatine GEODIS Park, nan largest soccer-specific stadium successful nan country.

In Memphis, nan Grizzlies bring NBA action to FedExForum, conscionable steps from Beale Street.

College shot is belief successful East Tennessee. Neyland Stadium successful Knoxville, location to nan University of Tennessee Volunteers, seats much than 100,000 fans and delivers 1 of nan astir electrical atmospheres successful nan sport. The “Vol Navy,” a flotilla of boats docking extracurricular nan stadium, is an acquisition unto itself.

Motorsports fans flock to Bristol Motor Speedway, peculiarly for nan yearly Bass Pro Shops Night Race, while NASCAR’s Ally 400 brings action to nan Nashville Superspeedway.

Music festivals besides style nan calendar. CMA Fest successful Nashville and Bonnaroo successful Manchester some return spot successful June, drafting world crowds and skyrocketing edifice demand.

Why These Numbers Matter for 2025 and Beyond

Tourism is much than intermezo successful Tennessee. It is simply a important portion of nationalist finance, family taxation relief, and occupation creation. Every dollar spent by a visitant trickles into nan economy, supporting section shops, restaurants, and services.

The information shows that tourism maturation is not constricted to nan large cities. Even smaller counties are seeing dependable gains, which suggests that travellers are exploring beyond accepted destinations. With world visitant spending rising by 12% successful 2024, Tennessee is besides becoming much globally connected, aided by expanded flights and amended marketing.

Looking forward, nan authorities expects momentum to proceed successful 2025 and beyond. Large events, expanded aerial service, and sustained liking successful earthy and taste attractions position Tennessee for different grounds year.

The 2025 merchandise of 2024 tourism numbers has painted a clear picture: Tennessee counties are thriving acknowledgment to visitors. Nashville and Memphis whitethorn header nan story, but places for illustration Sevier, Knox, Hamilton, Blount, and Washington are each showing their strength.

Tourism’s domiciled successful reducing family taxes, creating jobs, and generating billions successful spending confirms that it is not conscionable a luxury manufacture but a necessity for Tennessee’s economy. As nan authorities continues to grow, nan situation will beryllium to equilibrium tourism improvement pinch nan preservation of nan taste and earthy treasures that make Tennessee truthful attractive.