Nashville, TN – Tennessee’s tourism economy has grown 40% since 2018, nearly double the national growth rate of 22%, culminating in a record $32.5 billion in direct visitor spending in 2025. During last fall’s federal government shutdown, a coalition of state, local, nonprofit and tribal partners came together to keep the Smokies open for 40 days. Tourism is a powerful economic driver across all 95 counties, generating $3.3 billion in state and local tax revenue and saving each Tennessee household $1,180 annually on average. About the Tennessee Department of Tourist DevelopmentThe Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state.