Page last updated: 5 November 2025
Tennessee, known as the Volunteer State, is a vibrant region in the southeastern United States, celebrated for its rich musical heritage, scenic landscapes, and historic landmarks.
How many tourists visit Tennessee each year?
Over 146.7 million international and domestic tourists visited Tennessee in 2024.1
- Tennessee attracted 850,000 international visitors in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 78% to approximately 180,000.
- Around 140,000 international tourists visited Tennessee in 2021 and this rose in 2022 to 620,000.
- The figure climbed to 640,000 in 2023, though this was still 25% lower than in 2019 (pre-pandemic).
- International visitor volume further increased to 690,000 in 2024, a 7.8% increase from the previous year but still 18.8% below the pre-pandemic level of 2019.
How many people visited Tennessee in 2024?
Tennessee welcomed 146.7 million visitors in 2024, with 690,000 million being international tourists and 146.01 million domestic travellers.
How much do tourists spend in Tennessee each year?
International and domestic tourists spent over $31.7 billion during their trips to Tennessee in 2024.
- In 2019, tourists in Tennessee generated $24.5 billion in expenditure. However, it decreased to $16.8 billion in 2020 due to the pandemic.
- International and domestic tourist spending recovered in 2021 with $24.2 billion spent.
- In 2022 and 2023, visitors spent $28.9 billion and $30.6 billion, respectively.
- Visitor spending increased by 3.6% to $31.7 billion in 2024.
How much do tourists spend in Tennessee in 2024?
- Domestic and international tourists spent $31.7 billion while exploring Tennessee in 2024. This represented a 3.6% increase compared to the previous year and a 29.4% increase from pre-pandemic year (2019).
How much does it cost to visit Tennessee?
- The average cost to visit Tennessee in 2024 was approximately $337 per day for overnight visitors, covering expenses such as lodging, meals, transportation, and entertainment.
Most Visited Regions in Tennessee by Visitors Spending
- The most visited city in Tennessee is the Great Nashville region, which visitors spend a total of $14.68 billion in 2024. This was followed by the Middle East region where visitors spent $7.58 billion.
- Visitors in the Memphis Delta region spent $4.27 billion, while Southeast region visitors spent $2.26 billion.
- The Northeast region completed the top 5 regions with highest visitor spending with $927 million in 2024.
Where is Tennessee?
Tennessee is located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordered by eight states: Kentucky to the north, Virginia to the northeast, North Carolina to the east, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi to the south, and Arkansas and Missouri to the west.
Geographic Details
- Coordinates: Approximately 35.860119° N latitude and -86.660156° W longitude.
- Area: Tennessee covers about 42,144 square miles (109,153 square kilometres), making it the 36th largest state in terms of area.
- Dimensions: The state stretches approximately 440 miles (710 km) in length and about 120 miles (195 km) in width.
How long do visitors stay in Tennessee?
- Domestic and international tourists spent an average of 3.5 nights visiting and exploring the wonders of Tennessee in 2024.
When is the best time to visit Tennessee?
The best time to visit Tennessee is generally during the spring (April to May) and fall (September to November) months.
Spring (April to May)
- Weather: Average temperatures range from 54°F (12°C) in April to 72°F (22°C) in May, with moderate rainfall.
- Activities: This season features blooming flowers and vibrant festivals such as the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival and the Memphis in May International Festival. It’s a great time for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains as the weather is pleasant.
Fall (September to November)
- Weather: Average temperatures drop from 76°F (24°C) in September to around 65°F (18°C) in October, with less rainfall.
- Activities: Visitors can enjoy stunning fall foliage, especially in the Smoky Mountains. Events like the National Storytelling Festival and various harvest festivals take place during this time, enhancing the experience.
Why do people visit Tennessee?
- People visit Tennessee for Leisure and Tourism, accounting for 48% of visits in 2024:2
- Touring (16%), city trips (7%), and outdoor activities (7%) highlight Tennessee’s appeal for general sightseeing, urban exploration, and natural beauty.
- Special events (9%), theme parks (4%), resorts (3%) and casinos (2%) underline its reputation as an entertainment and leisure destination.
- Social and Personal Connections (38%): Visitors come to see friends and relatives, showcasing the importance of personal relationships as a travel motivator.
- Work and Combined Purposes (11%)
- Tourists visit for conferences (3%), business trips (4%), and business-leisure blends (4%), suggesting a steady influx of professionals.
Economic Impact – Tennessee Tourism Statistics 2024
- Jobs: Tourism supported 194,820 direct jobs, about 1 in every 24 statewide, with a 1.7% increase in 2024, nearing pre-pandemic levels.
- Tax Revenues: Contributed $3.3 billion in state and local taxes, saving residents roughly $1,174 per household annually.
- Daily Spending: Visitors spent an average of $87 million per day in Tennessee.
- Labor Income: Tourism in Tennessee generated $8.57 billion in total labor income in 2024
Tennessee Tourism Statistics – International & Domestic Tourism
In 2024, domestic travellers accounted for 146.01 million tourists, making up 99% of the total visitors while international tourism amounted to 690,000.
- In 2019, Tennessee welcomed a combined total of 134.18 million international and domestic tourists.
- However, when the pandemic struck in 2020, visitor numbers dropped to 100.81 million.
- In 2021, Tennessee received a total of 127.55 million tourists, despite the emergence of a new COVID variant. Domestic tourism rebounded with 127.41 million visitors, while international tourism remained low, with only 140,000 tourists.
- In 2022 and 2023, both domestic and international tourism totalled 140.93 million and 144.35 million, respectively.
- Total visitors increased by 1.6% to 146.7 million in 2024.
How popular is Tennessee as a tourist destination?
Tennessee is widely recognized as a leading tourist destination, earning numerous awards and accolades that highlight its broad appeal and high-quality visitor experiences.
- Named among the Top 25 Travel Destinations for 2025 by a major travel publication, showcasing its global recognition and growing popularity.
- Ranked prominently in the Best Places to Visit in Tennessee list, featuring destinations such as Nashville, Memphis, and the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Dollywood received multiple honors at the 2025 Golden Ticket Awards, including Best Kids Area, Best Guest Experience, and Best Family Coaster.
- The state’s hospitality excellence was celebrated at the 2025 Tennessee Stars of the Industry Gala, recognizing outstanding service and community contributions.
- Nashville continues to earn national attention, ranking among the Top 10 U.S. Cities in major travel and leisure awards.
These achievements demonstrate Tennessee’s enduring popularity, diverse attractions, and reputation for exceptional hospitality, solidifying its position as one of America’s premier travel destinations.
Is Tennessee safe to visit?
Tennessee can be visited safely, but it’s important to be aware of its crime statistics and take standard travel precautions.
- Many tourist areas (such as state parks, historic districts, and major cities) remain generally safe, especially during daylight hours and in well-populated zones.
What are the best places to visit in Tennessee?
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The most visited U.S. national park, famous for stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and 850+ miles of hiking trails.
- Nashville: Known as “Music City,” it’s the heart of country music and culture. Highlights: Country Music Hall of Fame, Broadway’s live music scene, and the Parthenon replica.
- Memphis: A city rich in musical heritage and history. Highlights: Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum, and Beale Street.
- Dollywood, Pigeon Forge: Dolly Parton’s family-friendly theme park with rides, live shows, and seasonal festivals. Highlights: Over 50 attractions and millions of visitors annually.
- Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga: A scenic spot with incredible views and unique attractions. Highlights: Ruby Falls, Rock City Gardens, and the Incline Railway.
What is the #1 tourist attraction in Tennessee?
The #1 tourist attraction in Tennessee is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina.
How many tourists visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year?
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains the most visited national park in the United States, attracting an average of 12 million visitors annually.
- Visitation reached its highest point in 2021 with over 14 million visitors, reflecting the surge in post-pandemic travel.
- From 2019 to 2024, visitor numbers consistently exceeded 12 million, demonstrating the park’s enduring appeal and strong tourism performance.
- In 2024, the park welcomed 12.2 million visitors, marking an 8.3% decline from 2023 and about 2.6% below the pre-pandemic peak of 12.55 million in 2019, based on National Park Service data.
Tennessee Travel Statistics Resources
USA Travel Statistics Resources
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- South Dakota Statistics (incl. Mount Rushmore)
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- Yellowstone National Park Statistics
