Page last updated: 11 November 2025
Memphis is known for its rich musical heritage, iconic landmarks like Graceland, its role in the civil rights movement, and as the birthplace of blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll.
How many tourists visit Memphis each year?
Over 13 million tourists (both international and domestic) visit Memphis in recent years.
- In 2019, approximately 12.4 million tourists visited Memphis. The 2021 figure fell below the 2019 level, with only 10.7 million visitors recorded.1
- Recovery continued in 2022 with 11.1 million visitors to Memphis, followed by a peak of 13.5 million in 2023.
- In 2024, Memphis welcomed 13.1 million total visitors, representing relatively stable visitation compared to 2023.
How many people visited Memphis in 2024?
- Memphis welcomed 13.1 million tourists in 2024.This represents a 3% decrease from 2023’s record 13.5 million visitors, but remains 6% higher than the pre-pandemic figure of 12.4 million in 2019.
How much do tourists spend in Memphis every year?
Tourists (both international and domestic) spend over $4 billion in recent years in Memphis.
- In 2019, tourists in Memphis generated $3.77 billion in expenditure. However, it decreased to $2.57 billion in 2020 due to the pandemic.2
- International and domestic tourist spending recovered in 2021 with $3.46 billion spent.
- In 2022 and 2023, visitors spent $4.02 billion and $4.23 billion, respectively.
- In 2024, tourists generated approximately $4.30 billion in spending, approximately 2% growth from 2023.
How much do tourists spend in Memphis in 2024?
Tourists spent $4.30 billion in Memphis in 2024.
- This represents a 3% increase from 2023 and stands 14% higher than the pre-pandemic figure of $3.77 billion in 2019.
How much does it cost to visit Memphis?
The average cost to visit Memphis is approximately $300-$350 per trip in 2024.
- Domestic visitors: Approximately $313 per trip (averaging $150-$200 per person per day for 3-4 nights)
- International visitors: Over $1,000 per trip (averaging higher daily spend over longer stays)
- Overnight travel parties: Spend about $508 per night on average, covering lodging, food, transport, and entertainment
Where do tourists spend their money in Memphis?
Visitors spent the most on food and beverages, totalling $1.42 billion.
- In 2024, $968.82 million was spent on transportation and $712.06 million was spent on accommodation.
- Tourists spent $619.90 million on recreation and $511.23 million on retail in 2024.
Which countries visit Memphis the most?
Canada was Memphis’s largest source of international tourists, accounting for approximately 24% of all foreign visitors in 2024.
Top International Source Countries by Visitors (2024)
- Canada: 67,000 visitors (24% of international)
- United Kingdom: 50,000 visitors (18% of international)
- Australia: 30,000 visitors (11% of international)
- Germany: 25,000 visitors (9% of international)
- Japan: 12,000 visitors (4% of international)
Why do people visit Memphis?
People visit Memphis to experience its legendary music scene, from Beale Street to Graceland.
- Visitors like to dive into its rich civil rights history at the National Civil Rights Museum and savour world-famous barbecue and Southern cuisine.
- Tourists also enjoy the Mississippi Riverfront and soak in the city’s unique charm, lively entertainment, and warm Southern hospitality.
Tennessee Travel Resources
How long do visitors stay in Memphis?
Visitors stayed an average of approximately 3.8 nights in Memphis in 2024.
- Domestic visitors: Stay approximately 3.8 nights on average for overnight trips, typically for extended weekends.
- International visitors: Stay around 4-5 nights on average, often as part of a broader Southern music tour or multi-city U.S. trip.
Overall average: Approximately 79% of travel parties stay overnight, while 21% are day-trippers.
When is the best time to visit Memphis?
Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) are considered the best times to visit Memphis.
Spring (April to May)
- Weather: Mild temperatures ranging from the 60s to 80s Fahrenheit (15-30°C).
- Activities: This season features vibrant music festivals, including the Beale Street Music Festival and the Memphis in May International Festival, which celebrates the city’s rich musical heritage.
(September to October)
- Weather: Comfortable temperatures, typically in the 70s Fahrenheit (around 21-26°C), with lower humidity compared to summer.
- Activities: The Cooper-Young Festival and other local events make fall an exciting time to visit.
What were Memphis’s peak tourist months?
July was the peak tourist month in Memphis in 2024.
- July was the busiest month with approximately 1.44 million visitors in 2024, followed by June with 1.36 million, May with 1.31 million, and August with 1.23 million.
How popular is Memphis as a tourist destination?
Memphis is a distinctive and growing tourist destination that blends deep cultural and historical roots with modern hospitality and attractions.
- In 2025, Memphis was named one of the “fastest-rising travel destinations” in the U.S. by Tripadvisor, being included among the top five “on-the-up” cities, thanks to strong growth in positive traveler reviews.
- The Greater Memphis Chamber was nominated for “Best Music Tourism Initiative” at the Music Cities Awards.
- The city was featured in the global travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler as one of 23 worldwide places to watch.
Which is better to visit: Memphis or Nashville?
- If you want historical narratives, iconic blues music, and renowned Southern barbecue, Memphis may be the ideal destination. In 2023, Memphis welcomed 13.5 million visitors, 20% less than Nashville.
- For those seeking a vibrant ambience rooted in country music, an array of entertainment options, and a wealth of family-oriented activities, Nashville would be a more fitting choice.
Each city provides a distinctive experience, showcasing its unique cultural heritage.
Learn more about Nashville Tourism Statistics here.
Economic Impact – Memphis Tourism Statistics 2024
- Job Support: The Memphis tourism industry supported more than 28,000 direct jobs in the Memphis metro area in 2024.
- Income Generation: This sector generated approximately $4.30 billion in direct visitor spending in the Memphis metro area, with total business sales exceeding $6.8 billion when including indirect and induced impacts.
- Tax Revenue: In 2024, visitor spending resulted in approximately $430 million in state and local tax revenues, leading to average tax savings of about $1,200 per household in Memphis.
Is Memphis safe for tourists to visit?
Memphis has one of the highest crime rates in the United States, particularly concerning violent crimes. The city’s crime index is notably high at 74.8, with a safety index of 25.2, according to Sirix Monitoring.
- Most tourist attractions, such as Beale Street, Graceland, and the National Civil Rights Museum, are generally well-patrolled by police.
What should tourists do in Memphis?
- Explore the iconic home of Elvis Presley in Graceland, featuring a museum dedicated to his life and career, a concert venue, and a themed hotel.
- Immerse in live blues music, vibrant nightlife, and regional cuisine on Beale Street, a historic and lively street.
- Visit the “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” in Sun Studio where legendary artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded their music, with guided tours revealing its rich history.
- Discover powerful exhibits and artefacts chronicling the American civil rights movement at the historic Lorraine Motel in the National Civil Rights Museum.
- Celebrate the legacy and cultural impact of soul music at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music located on the original site of Stax Records.
Tennessee Travel Statistics Resources
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