TOURISM IN BEDFORD COUNTY GENERATED $28,583,000 IN VISITOR SPENDING IN 2023 FOLLOWING INCREASE IN CITY TOURISM BUDGET
Source: Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
September 4, 2024 - Shelbyville, TN – Visitors to Bedford County generated $28,583,000 in spending in 2023, a 3.42% increase from 2022, according to newly released data from Tourism Economics and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
This increase follows an increase in the City of Shelbyville tourism budget from just $22,000 spent in the 2022-23 budget to $90,500 in the 23-24 budget and $443,000 in the current 24-25 budget. With the big increase in the current budget, city leaders are expecting even better numbers in the 2024 tourism report.
BY THE NUMBERS:
- Direct visitor spending in Bedford County generated $1,632,200 in state tax revenue and $1,257,300 in local tax revenue.
- If it were not for state and local taxes generated by tourism, each household in Bedford County would pay $156 more in state and local taxes. This is up slightly from the $154 in the 2022 report.
- Direct visitor spending also supported 233 jobs in Bedford County.
- Bedford County ranked 49 among the 95 counties in Tennessee. This is unchanged from the 2022 ranking.
- Research conducted by Tourism Economics, commissioned by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. The data above highlights the impact of visitors within the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Bedford County.
Statewide, Tennessee tourism generated a record $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending and saw 144 million visitors to the state in 2023. Statewide visitor spending generated $3.2 billion in direct state and local tax revenues in 2023. Full details can be found in the statewide press release.
Tourism boosts local economies, supports businesses and jobs, funds public services and creates a better quality of life for all Tennesseans. An IMPLAN input-output model estimated the portion of calendar year 2023 spending attributable to visitors. For this study, a visitor includes those who stayed overnight or traveled more than 50 miles to the destination. The report focuses specifically on spending in retail, recreation, accommodations, food & dining, and transportation services. When visitors spend money in these categories, it generates state and local taxes that help fund schools, roads, and other needed public services.
The 2023 Economic Impact on Travel Report analyzes statewide spending and visitation from domestic and international travelers to Tennessee. The report includes methodology used to determine visitor spending, tax generation, job creation and more. The TN Travel Impact Interactive County Dashboard provides instant access to key metrics, statewide and by county, about the economic impact of travel to Tennessee.
ABOUT TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
The 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. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty, and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on social media for travel inspiration.
