Tourism in Davidson County, Nashville, generated a record $10.77 billion in direct visitor spending in 2023, marking an 8% increase from the previous year, according to the [2023 Economic Impact of Travel on Tennessee](https://industry.tnvacation.com/industry/research) report. This influx of spending significantly reduced the tax burden on local households, which would have paid $3,671 more in state and local taxes without the revenue from tourism.
Visitors to Nashville spent an average of $29.5 million per day, driving local business growth, boosting tax revenues, creating jobs, and making hospitality one of the city’s largest industries. Notably, it takes the combined tourist spending of the next four highest counties—Shelby, Sevier, Knox, and Hamilton—to surpass the $10.77 billion spent in Davidson County alone.
Latest TN News
“With nearly $11 billion in visitor spending last year, Nashville stands as the top contributor to tourism spending in Tennessee, accounting for more than one-third of the state’s total visitor expenditures,” said Deana Ivey, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “Our success is rooted in Nashville’s authenticity, the abundance of outstanding attractions and hotels, and our reputation as a welcoming city. We remain committed to driving demand through the strength of our Music City brand.”
Visitor spending in Davidson County generated $1.11 billion in local and state tax revenue, broken down into $444.44 million in local tax revenue and $666.64 million in state tax revenue, both exceeding the 2022 figures. Labor income in Davidson County was $2.84 billion in 2023, and the region saw a total of 16.8 million daily and overnight visitors last year.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 73,000 total leisure and hospitality jobs in Davidson County. Tourism Economics estimates that county visitor spending generates 48,953 direct jobs as a result of tourism’s economic impact.
Statewide, Tennessee tourism generated a record $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending and saw 144 million visitors in 2023. This spending generated $3.2 billion in direct state and local tax revenues. The report focuses on spending in retail, recreation, accommodations, food & dining, and transportation services, all of which contribute to funding essential public services like schools and roads.
“When tourism grows, Tennessee reaps the benefit with increased sales tax revenue,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “Tourism boosts local economies, supports businesses and jobs, funds public services, and creates a better quality of life for all Tennesseans.”
“Tennessee tourism is soaring, leading to benefits to Tennesseans,” said Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Thanks to our destination marketing organizations across the state, in addition to our leisure and hospitality businesses in this amazing accomplishment. The record growth is a testament to the strength, resilience, determination, and efforts of our people and the work of our industry in bringing visitors to enjoy why Tennessee Sounds Perfect.”
The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and Visit Music City aim to maximize the economic contribution of the convention and tourism industry by promoting Nashville as a premier destination. For more information, visit their website at [www.visitmusiccity.com](http://www.visitmusiccity.com) and follow them on social media @VisitMusicCity.
Source: Read Original Release
New Water Taxi Service in Nashville
A new water taxi service, Nashville Water Taxi, has launched in Nashville, offering various transportation options including a Game Day Water Taxi to streamline commutes to Titans games, scenic history cruises, and private event cruises on the Cumberland River.