This week is National Travel and Tourism Week — an annual celebration of the contributions of the country’s travel industry.
Tourism is Tennessee’s second largest industry . In 2019 , tourism brought in a record-high amount of $23 billion in travel spending + $1.92 billion in state and local revenue tax, which supports jobs, economic development and critical services like education and public safety. But, the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on the industry in early 2020.
COVID-19’s impact on tourism
While January + February of 2020 saw considerable growth in the tourism industry, March brought devastation to industry leaders, workers + travelers. Between March + December, $303 million in state revenue was lost and 52.6% of the net jobs lost during March were among the leisure and hospitality industry.
Nashville’s projected data for 2021
As COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift
, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
+ local partners are teaming up to recognize the “Power of Travel
” and the industry’s critical role in rebuilding the state’s workforce, restoring its businesses, and accelerating its economy. Here is projected data — by the numbers — that leaders hope will promote these goals in 2021 + beyond:
- Two-thirds. The amount of U.S. citizens ready to travel — according to a study by Destination Analysts .
- 27 . Nashville’s ranking among the most-desired domestic destinations in 2021 — and 72% of U.S. travelers are planning a summer vacation this year.
- 200% . The increase of travelers seen at Nashville International Airport during the month of April.
- 22+ . The number of new Nashville restaurants that have opened so far in 2021.