‘We haven’t seen a downturn yet’: TN tourism industry booming despite rising inflation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — As inflation and fuel costs rise, some People are re-considering summer time journey plans. So what does this imply for Tennessee tourism?

State tourism consultants say excessive costs aren’t stopping customers.

“Thus far now we have actually seen zero impression from inflationary numbers,” stated Butch Spyridon, President, and CEO of Nashville’s Conference and Customer’s Bureau.

Final week, an estimated 80,000 folks traveled to Nashville from all 50 states and 39 international locations for CMA Fest.

Statewide tourism leaders don’t suppose rising prices are stopping folks from touring to different elements of Tennessee both.

“Whereas there are considerations about inflation and the economic system, we consider Tennessee is well-positioned to climate these challenges. People are able to journey, there’s pent-up demand,” stated Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Division of Vacationer Improvement.

Based on Brian Wagner, the Assistant Commissioner of Advertising with the Tennessee Division of Vacationer Improvement, tourism tax collections had been up 9.7% in 2021, regardless of COVID-19 restrictions.

That is seemingly due to the state’s numerous outside points of interest, together with the Nice Smoky Mountains, 56 state parks, and Dollywood.

“Tennessee is geographically blessed. It’s a few day’s drive from 75% of the inhabitants in the USA. So, what we’re seeing is folks nonetheless getting within the automotive and going, and luckily, Tennessee may be a shorter journey than say going to a nationwide park out west,” Wagner stated.

Spyridon says different free points of interest, like Fourth of July fireworks and dwell music 12 months a 12 months on Decrease Broadway in Nashville, might also assist households lower prices on summer time holidays to the Volunteer State. “We haven’t seen a downturn but,” Spyridon stated. “However we are going to at all times maintain a watchful eye to see if something adjustments.”

Based on the state’s Division of Vacationer Improvement, Tennessee is on observe to publish one other file tourism 12 months in 2022.