Tennessee Tourism Statistics

Page last updated: 3 December 2024

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.

Overview

How many tourists visit Tennessee each year?

Over 144.35 million international and domestic tourists visited Tennessee in 2023.¹

Tennessee attracted 850,000 international visitors in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 78% to approximately 180,000.
In 2021, around 140,000 international tourists visited Tennessee and this rose in 2022 to 620,000.
In 2023, the figure climbed to 640,000, though this was still 25% lower than in 2019 (pre-pandemic).

How many people visited Tennessee in 2023?

In 2023, Tennessee welcomed 144.35 million visitors, with 640,000 million being international tourists and 143.61 million domestic travellers.

How much do tourists spend in Tennessee every year?

International and domestic tourists spent over $30.6 billion during their trips to Tennessee in 2023.

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.

How much do tourists spend in Tennessee?

Domestic and international tourists spent $30.6 billion while exploring Tennessee in 2023.

How long do visitors stay in Tennessee?

Domestic and international tourists spent an average of 3.2 nights visiting and exploring the wonders of Tennessee in 2023.

What is the average expenditure per visitor in Tennessee?

The average expenditure of an overnight visitor in Tennessee is $328 per day.

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.

Why do people visit Tennessee?

People visit Tennessee for Leisure and Tourism, accounting for 49% of visits.²

Touring (16%), city trips (7%), and outdoor activities (8%) highlight Tennessee’s appeal for general sightseeing, urban exploration, and natural beauty.
Special events (9%), theme parks (5%), and resorts (4%) underline its reputation as an entertainment and leisure destination.

Social and Personal Connections (36%): Visitors come to see friends and relatives, showcasing the importance of personal relationships as a travel motivator.

Work and Combined Purposes (12%)

Tourists visit for conferences (3%), business trips (5%), and business-leisure blends (4%), suggesting a steady influx of professionals.

Economic Impact – Tennessee Tourism Statistics 2023

Jobs: Tourism supported 191,522 direct jobs, about 1 in every 24 statewide, with a 3% increase in 2023, nearing pre-pandemic levels.
Tax Revenues: Contributed $3.2 billion in state and local taxes, saving residents roughly $1,160 per household annually.
Daily Spending: Visitors spent an average of $84 million per day in Tennessee.