JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Tourism in Northeast Tennessee reached a new milestone in 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking visitor spending, according to the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) and the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association (NTTA).
Visitors generated $927,182,500 in spending last year — a 7% increase from 2023.
“Northeast Tennessee has made leaps and bounds,” said NTTA Executive Director Alicia Phelps. “This was our largest year on record. I believe we’ll see visitor spending reach or approach $1 billion within the next few years — a huge milestone for our region.”
Tourism also boosted tax revenues, producing over $56 million in state taxes and nearly $36 million in local taxes.
“On average, residents in Northeast Tennessee save $300 to $500 annually in taxes thanks to visitor spending,” Phelps explained. “It not only protects household income but also improves the overall quality of life in the area.”
In Washington County, which ranks 13th among Tennessee’s 95 counties for tourism impact, residents saved more than $633 each in taxes, according to Visit Johnson City Executive Director Brenda Whitson.
“This visitor spending is real money that stays here and benefits our community,” Whitson said. However, she noted that the region still lacks a year-round attraction that could consistently draw visitors.
“If we had something that could bring people from all over for multiple visits year-round, it would be a game-changer,” she added, suggesting entertainment and music could play a key role.
Phelps credited increased investment from local governments for the sector’s growth, noting that tourism employs nearly 7,200 people in the region — a number expected to rise as demand for quality jobs grows.
With the return of businesses impacted by Helene and the Speedway Classic on the horizon, both Phelps and Whitson predict 2025 will set yet another record for visitor spending, marking the fifth straight year of growth.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
