Nashville, Tennessee is known as the “Music City” and attracts millions of visitors each year. But have you ever wondered how much money Nashville makes from tourism? Let’s take a closer look.
Overview of Nashville Tourism
Nashville has become a popular destination for tourists due to its vibrant music scene, rich history, and southern charm. In 2019 alone, Nashville welcomed over 16 million visitors, which was a record-breaking year for the city. The tourism industry in Nashville generates billions of dollars in revenue each year and has a significant impact on the local economy.
The Economic Impact of Tourism in Nashville
According to the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC), the total economic impact of tourism in Nashville was $7.5 billion in 2019. This includes direct spending by tourists on lodging, food and beverage, transportation, and entertainment. Additionally, tourism supports over 77,000 jobs in the city.
Lodging
One of the biggest contributors to Nashville’s tourism revenue is lodging. In 2019, tourists spent over $1.8 billion on accommodations alone. This includes hotels, vacation rentals, and Airbnb rentals.
Food and Beverage
Tourists also spend a significant amount on food and beverage while visiting Nashville. In 2019, this amounted to over $1.5 billion in revenue for local restaurants and bars.
Entertainment
Nashville is known for its live music scene and there are plenty of opportunities for tourists to enjoy concerts and shows while visiting the city. In 2019, entertainment spending by tourists totaled over $1.1 billion.
The Future of Tourism in Nashville
While 2020 saw a significant decline in tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nashville is expected to bounce back in the coming years. The city has already started to see an increase in visitors as travel restrictions have eased.
In fact, the NCVC has set a goal of reaching 23 million visitors by 2023. To achieve this goal, the city is investing in new attractions and experiences for tourists, such as the recently opened National Museum of African American Music.
Conclusion
Tourism is a major industry in Nashville and contributes billions of dollars to the local economy each year. From lodging to food and beverage to entertainment, tourists spend money on a variety of goods and services while visiting Music City. As Nashville continues to grow as a tourist destination, it’s clear that the impact of tourism will only continue to increase.