Chattanooga, August 31, 2025
News Summary
Hamilton County has reported a significant increase in visitor spending, totaling $1.8 billion for 2024. This represents a 4.23% growth from the previous year, bolstering local tourism and supporting over 13,000 jobs. Key spending categories included food, beverage, and accommodations, demonstrating the importance of tourism to the local economy. The influx of visitors has also led to substantial tax savings for households, underscoring the positive impact of tourism on the community.
Chattanooga
In a remarkable achievement for local tourism, Hamilton County has reported a record-breaking $1.8 billion in visitor spending for 2024, representing a 4.23% increase from the previous year. This significant figure, totaling $1,805,792,800, highlights the county’s robust tourism industry, according to data provided by Tourism Economics and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
As a result of this increase in tourism, the Chattanooga Tourism Company stated that Hamilton County has ranked fifth among the 95 counties in Tennessee for visitor spending. This growth not only underscores the local appeal of Hamilton County as a tourist destination but also emphasizes its role as a key economic driver within the community.
Visitor spending in Hamilton County directly supported over 13,000 jobs, indicating the vital link between tourism and employment. The major categories of expenditure by visitors included food and beverage, particularly at local restaurants, which emerged as the largest spending category. Following closely was spending on hotels, with retail also accounting for a significant portion of visitor outlays.
The financial benefits of this tourist influx extend into the local community, with Chattanooga households reportedly saving an average of $1,200 in taxes due to the economic impact generated by tourism revenue. Additionally, the 2024 Economic Impact on Travel Report from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development revealed that tourism across the state of Tennessee generated a remarkable $31.7 billion in direct visitor spending, with the state welcoming 147 million visitors throughout the year.
This impressive visitor volume contributed around $3.3 billion in direct state and local tax revenues, further showcasing the economic benefits of tourism for Tennessee as a whole. The success seen in Hamilton County highlights the area’s continued commitment to tourism as an essential economic engine for the local community.
The strong growth in the tourism sector is a reflection of years of investments in attractions, infrastructure, and marketing initiatives aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. This strategic focus is crucial as Hamilton County looks to maintain its competitive edge in the tourism industry. Adding to the positive trends, the Chattanooga Airport also set a record in 2024 with more than 556,000 enplanements, signaling increased air travel and accessibility to the area.
To sustain this momentum, continued investment in tourism infrastructure and marketing efforts will be paramount. Local officials and stakeholders recognize that fostering tourism growth is essential to building on the achievements of 2024 and further enhancing Hamilton County’s position as a sought-after destination.
Key Statistics and Spending Categories
| Category | Spending Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Visitor Spending | $1,805,792,800 |
| Food and Beverage | Largest category (exact amount not specified) |
| Hotels | Second largest category (exact amount not specified) |
| Retail | Third largest category (exact amount not specified) |
| Household Tax Savings | $1,200 |
| Jobs Supported | 13,000 |
| Statewide Tourism Spending | $31.7 billion |
| Visitors to Tennessee | 147 million |
| Direct Local and State Tax Revenues | $3.3 billion |
| Chattanooga Airport Enplanements | 556,000 |
FAQ
What was the total visitor spending in Hamilton County for 2024?
The total visitor spending in Hamilton County for 2024 was $1,805,792,800.
How much did visitor spending increase compared to 2023?
Visitor spending increased by 4.23% compared to the previous year.
Which spending category was the largest among visitors?
The largest spending category was food and beverage, particularly at restaurants.
How many jobs were supported by visitor spending in Hamilton County?
Visitor spending supported over 13,000 jobs in Hamilton County.
What were the tax savings for Chattanooga households due to tourism revenue?
Chattanooga households saved an average of $1,200 in taxes due to tourism revenue.
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Additional Resources
- Travel and Tour World: Chattanooga Tourism Boom
- News Channel 9: Hamilton County Visitor Spending
- WDEF: Tourism Revenue Hits Record Numbers
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Tourism Plans
- Chattanoogan: Chattanooga Tourism Summit
- Wikipedia: Tourism in Tennessee
- Google Search: Chattanooga tourism
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga tourism impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tourism
- Google News: Chattanooga tourism news
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.
