Chattanooga, September 3, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga has reached a significant milestone in tourism with visitor spending hitting $1,805,792,800 in 2024, marking a 4.23% increase from the previous year. This growth is attributed to the city’s vibrant hospitality and major events, such as the World of Bluegrass and the IRONMAN competition. The expansion of new flight routes and continuous marketing efforts further enhance Chattanooga’s appeal as a leading tourist destination, positively impacting the local economy and job creation.
Chattanooga
Chattanooga has achieved a new milestone in tourism, recording a staggering $1,805,792,800 in visitor spending in 2024. This figure marks a significant 4.23% increase from the previous year, showcasing the strength and resilience of the local tourism industry.
The impressive growth in visitor spending can be largely credited to the community’s renowned hospitality and the increased efforts of local businesses. Major events held throughout the year, including the World of Bluegrass and the IRONMAN competition, have helped position Chattanooga as a premier destination on the international tourism map.
In addition to ongoing events, Chattanooga has benefited from the expansion of new flight routes, further facilitating access for tourists. The projected future growth of tourism will be enhanced by additional events aimed at attracting both regional and out-of-state visitors. The details of these trends are highlighted in the recently released 2024 Economic Impact on Travel Report, which presents a comprehensive analysis of visitor spending and patterns with an interactive online dashboard that showcases both state and county information.
Comprehensive Tourism Growth in Tennessee
Mark Ezell, the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, commended the tourism sector for demonstrating remarkable performance. Over the last six years, visitor spending across the state has surged by more than 36%, establishing Tennessee as one of the few states that are actively increasing tax revenues from non-resident visitors. This growth is beneficial to the state’s seven million residents.
In 2024, Tennessee’s tourism sector achieved a record $31.7 billion in direct visitor spending, welcoming a total of 147 million visitors. This surge in tourism resulted in an impressive $3.3 billion in direct state and local tax revenues, underscoring the significant economic impact of the tourism industry on the state’s finances. Looking ahead, additional initiatives are anticipated to further engage in-state and out-of-state visitors, potentially leading to even more growth in the coming years.
Context and Future Outlook
The successful increase in visitor spending can be attributed to a combination of factors, including strategic marketing efforts, improved travel infrastructure, and the ongoing development of tourism-focused events. As Chattanooga and the broader Tennessee region continue to prioritize tourism, the positive economic impact is expected to extend beyond just visitor spending, fostering local job creation and community development.
Overall, Chattanooga’s record-breaking visitor spending in 2024 not only highlights the vitality of the local tourism industry but also reflects the growing recognition of the city as a sought-after destination for travelers worldwide.
FAQ
What was the total visitor spending in Chattanooga for 2024?
Total visitor spending in Chattanooga reached $1,805,792,800 in 2024.
How much did visitor spending increase compared to the previous year?
Visitor spending increased by 4.23% from the previous year.
What major events contributed to Chattanooga’s tourism growth?
Key events such as the World of Bluegrass and IRONMAN helped to enhance Chattanooga’s international appeal.
How has Tennessee’s tourism sector performed overall?
Tennessee’s tourism sector generated a record $31.7 billion in direct visitor spending in 2024 and welcomed 147 million visitors.
Key Features of Chattanooga’s Tourism Growth
| Feature | 2024 Figures |
|---|---|
| Total Visitor Spending | $1,805,792,800 |
| Increase in Visitor Spending | 4.23% |
| Major Events | World of Bluegrass, IRONMAN |
| Tennessee’s Total Visitor Spending | $31.7 billion |
| Total Visitors to Tennessee | 147 million |
| State and Local Tax Revenue from Tourism | $3.3 billion |
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Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
