LAWRENCEBURG, TENN.—Earlier this week, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Tourism Commissioner Mark Ezell announced that 2018 was another record year for the state’s tourism industry. The economic impact report was released by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development showing a record $22 billion in domestic and international travel spending in the state. Among the counties showing the most rapid increase in tourism expenditures is Lawrence County, outpacing the national growth rate of travel-generated expenditures by 18%. Lawrence County’s rate of growth exceeds that of all bordering counties for 2018.
“Lawrence County has experienced record-breaking growth with tourism expenditures at an all-time high. Travel spending in Lawrence County generated $43.54 million in 2018, which is a 5.8% increase from the previous year,” explained Rachel Grigsby, Tourism Development Specialist. “In 2018 alone, the increase in tourism expenditures nearly matches the growth we saw over the previous five years combined.”
As Tennessee’s 2ndlargest industry, tourist spending impacts both state and local tax revenues. Tourists visiting Lawrence County in 2018 generated a combined $3.82 million in state and local tax revenue. As a result, each household in Lawrence County can expect to save about $250 per year in taxes.
“The Chamber is proud to work with our local tourist attractions and assets to promote more visitor spending,” said Ryan Egly, President & CEO. “Since we began our efforts in 2016, tourist expenditures have increased by nearly 9.1%.”
“This is incredibly encouraging data. We expect to continue this upward trajectory as more attractions locate to our area and our existing assets continue to thrive. Travelers are looking for small town destinations that provide unique experiences, and we have so much to offer them,” said Grigsby.
About the Chamber
The Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce is a network of businesses, industries, local governments, utilities, and private citizens that are committed to improving the quality of life in Lawrence County, Tennessee through economic & community development, tourism marketing, and workforce development.
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