Released statistics showing the tourism industry
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development has released statistics showing the tourism industry generated $1.3 billion in state and local sales tax revenues in fiscal year 2013-14.
The latest statistics — taken from the 2013 Economic Impact of Travel on Tennessee as reported by the U.S. Travel Association — show tourism expenditures saw $16.7 billion in direct domestic and international travel expenditures in 2013-14, a 3.4 percent increase over the number from 2012-13. Nineteen of Tennessee’s 95 counties received more than $100 million in domestic travel expenditures in 2013.
In addition, Tennessee saw a record-setting 96.4 million person-stays in 2013, a 4.7 percent increase over the number of 2012. During 2013, domestic and international traveler spending in Tennessee generated 148,700 jobs, a 1.7 percent increase over 2012 figures. On average, every $112,411 spent by domestic and international travelers in Tennessee directly supported one job, according to the department.
International travel to Tennessee increased by 7 percent to reach an economic impact of $531.6 million.
“Tennessee’s tourism industry experienced major growth in 2013 and is continuing to set new records across the state in 2014,” Commissioner Susan Whitaker said in a release. “Our industry generated $1.3 billion in state and local sales tax revenue. This means more dollars that can be used for education, public safety and other essential services for all the citizens of Tennessee.”