According to Tourism Works for America, a “2007 travel industry snapshot” just released by the Travel Industry Association, Tennessee ranks 14th nationally in the amount of money generated by travel within our state.
California is ranked number one, bringing in more than $65 billion annually in 2004, the last year data was compiled. And Florida is — as you might expect — ranked second, with $46 billion.
In the South, Tennessee holds its own with other Southern destinations: Alabama — $5.9 billion annually;
Arkansas — $4.2 billion annually;
Georgia — $15.3 billion; Kentucky — $5.8 million; Louisiana — $9.5 billion; Mississippi — $5.6 billion; South Carolina — $7.7 billion; Tennessee — $11.1 billion
The TIA notes that certain “niche” markets are attracting new groups of tourists, including “babymoons,” “girlfriend getaways” (we’re not clear if those are designed for the girfriend, or to let you get away from your girlfriend), and even “voluntourism.”
All in all, Americans spend more than $532 billion on travel and vacations annually. For more information — oh, lots more information — send your browser on a little trip.
