Report Shows Tourism is Vital to Restoring State’s Economic Recovery

BROWNSVILLE, TENN. Visit Brownsville TN joins Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development in announcing Tennessee tourism’s latest economic impact numbers as recently released by U.S. Travel Association. Direct domestic and international travel spending hit a record high of $23 billion in 2019, marking a decade of consecutive growth.
Haywood County’s contribution to that growth resulted in $16.58 million in visitor spending, an increase of 2.98 percent. This sustained momentum in visitation to Haywood County generated $719.64 thousand in local taxes, an increase of 2.5 percent over the previous year and $984.97 thousand in state taxes, up 3.7 percent. Tourism in Haywood County generates 95 jobs.
These tax revenue increases demonstrate the value of tourism in Haywood County, resulting in an annual tax relief to local residents. If not for visitor spending, each Haywood County household would pay $240.09 more in taxes each year.
Tennessee tourism was on a record track in the first three months of 2020 before COVID-19. The Coronavirus pandemic is the largest crisis to hit the travel, leisure and hospitality industries in history, shutting down almost all travel activities and threatening the security of businesses and employees the industry supports.
“Tennessee is a world-renowned destination, and I look forward to the time when we can gather together again at our festivals, sporting events and more,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “Tourism is our state’s second largest industry. Coming off another record year, this data underscores the tremendous positive tourism impact on our state’s revenue. As we’ve seen now more than ever, travel and tourism are vital to restoring economic health and recovery in Tennessee.”
In 2019, Tennessee outpaced the nation in all areas of travel; including tax revenue, expenditures, payroll and employment. The leisure and hospitality industry produced more jobs than any other industry. Last year, travelers in Tennessee spent an estimated $64 million per day. Tourism generated over $75 million in new state and local tax dollars in 2019, approximately half of which directly supports public education. Those tax dollars also support public safety, health and human services, business and economic development. Travel in Tennessee generated 195,000 jobs and $1.92 billion in state and local tax revenue.
These numbers reflect tourism’s significant impact prior to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. U.S. Travel Association predicts the travel economy in Tennessee could see a 35-45% decline in 2020 from 2019.
“With our businesses taking the Tennessee Pledge, our restaurants, businesses and attractions are ready for safe travel,” said Commissioner Mark Ezell, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “I encourage travelers to safely explore, support local businesses and attractions, create family memories, discover outdoor scenic beauty where social distancing is a natural, take road trips, explore rural destinations and hidden gems that drive visitation. Our goal is to become the best non-beach tourism state in America. We’re constantly exploring new opportunities to inspire growth across the state, drive jobs and economic growth, including in rural, at-risk and distressed counties.”
“We’ve seen our impact rise each year and it’s obvious tourism is becoming an economic driver for Haywood County, and our entire region,” said Visit Brownsville TN Director, Sonia Outlaw-Clark. “We want to encourage our partners to abide by the guidelines of the Tennessee Pledge; wear masks, social distance, work to ensure that travelers to our destination feel this is a safe place to visit.”
Visit Brownsville TN serves as the designated destination marketing organization (DMO) for Brownsville and Haywood County with the objective of inspiring travel and overnight stays that generate increased sales and tax revenues resulting in continued economic growth for the community.