Tourism Spending Surges in Sullivan County

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Great news for Sullivan County! Tourists are spending more than ever, making the local economy thrive. According to the latest data, tourists spent a whopping $340,057,800 in 2023. That’s up from $329,912 the previous year, marking a 3.03% increase.

What’s even cooler? Sullivan County ranks 11th among Tennessee’s 95 counties when it comes to tourism spending. Alicia Phelps, the executive director of the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association, summed it up nicely: “Tourism is not just about the fun, it’s about the funds. Every visitor is an economic boost to the area.”

More Jobs and Better Wages

It’s not just about spending. Tourism also creates jobs. In Sullivan County alone, the industry employs around 2,638 people, offering a total labor income of $82,753,800. That generates approximately $21,213,100 in state taxes and $13,860,500 in local taxes. Talk about a win-win!

Record-Breaking Statewide Numbers

Zoom out a bit, and you’ll see that Tennessee as a whole is enjoying a tourism boom. In 2023, tourists spent a record $30.6 billion across the state. That’s right, billion with a “B”! This attracted 144 million visitors to the state. All that spending generated $3.2 billion in direct state and local tax revenues.

The Northeast Tennessee area, including Sullivan County and the Tri-Cities region, saw direct visitor spending that brought in $53,135,200 in state tax revenue and $33,522,600 in local tax revenue. It also supported 7,034 jobs in the region. It’s clear the tourism industry is a major player in the local economy. Phelps said it best: “The continued growth and success of the region’s tourism sector is a testament to the recognition it has received as a powerful economic driver.”

Where Does the Money Go?

Mayor Richard Venable of Sullivan County highlighted the significance of tourism on the local scene. In 2023, about 32% of that $340,057,800—or $108.6 million—was spent on food and drinks. Lodging took up 21%, or $70.1 million. Amusement and recreation got 11%, retail took 13%, and the rest, 23%, went to transportation. These numbers show just how varied the tourism industry’s impact is.

Governor Weighs In

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee also weighed in on the importance of tourism for the state. “When tourism grows, Tennessee reaps the benefit with increased sales tax revenue,” he said. “Tourism boosts local economies, supports businesses and jobs, funds public services, and creates a better quality of life for all Tennesseans. We welcome visitors from around the world to experience Tennessee’s music, scenic outdoor beauty, culture, and food from Mountain City to Memphis.”

Long-Term Benefits

One of the biggest advantages of tourism-generated revenue is that it helps pay for essential public services. Taxes collected from tourism are used for schools, road improvements, and many other community needs. It’s more than just money in the pocket—it’s a robust, circular benefit that helps everyone.

In summary, Sullivan County and the state of Tennessee are doing exceptionally well in the tourism department. Increased visitor spending brings jobs, boosts the local economy, and generates vital tax revenue. So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, those tourism dollars are working hard to make the community a better place for everyone.

Stay tuned for more updates on how tourism continues to shape and benefit Sullivan County and beyond. Until then, let’s keep welcoming the world to our beautiful state!

rsorrell@bristolnews.com