Knoxville, Tenn.–A group from Obion County has returned from Knoxville, Tennessee where they attended the Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism. The annual meeting is for the entire tourism industry in Tennessee and includes those working in lodging, restaurants, attractions, museums and convention and visitors bureaus.
Following remarks by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee at the event, Tennessee Tourism Commissioner Mark Ezell noted, “Tennessee is thriving as tourism continues to soar, from our large cities to small towns. Our industry’s hard work is paying off with record levels of visitor spending and significantly outpacing inflation,” He added, “It is our privilege to showcase these numbers and express our gratitude to our partners, attractions, elected leaders and visitors who made a record year for Tennessee.”
A report distributed following the announcement revealed Obion County generated $74,462,300 in domestic visitor spending, a 11% increase from 2021.
- Obion county ranked 26 among the 95 counties in Tennessee.
- Visitor spending in Obion County generated $6,960,900 in state and local tax revenue.
- If it were not for state and local taxes generated by tourism, each Obion County
household would pay $556 more in state and local taxes.
- Visitor spending also supported 610 jobs in Obion County.
Statewide, Tennessee tourism generated $29 billion in direct visitor spending and saw 141 million visitors to the state in 2022. Tax dollars generated by tourism support important public services like education, health and safety.
More than 500 attended the conference that included an opening reception highlighting the host city; educational sessions on topics ranging from marketing destinations to youth sports teams to innovative technology coming to hotels and restaurants; and other features like live music a trade show and great speakers.
Last year, a hotel/motel tax was passed in Obion County resulting in additional funds from those staying in Obion County hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation lodging facilities of all kinds. The state of Tennessee requires these funds to be spent for the promotion of tourism and tourism development which will result in more overnight visitors to the county.
Photo: From left, Katrina Greer, executive director, Reelfoot Lake Tourism Council; Tammy Ursery, director of group sales, Discovery Park; Clare Saum, director of marketing, Discovery Park; and Scott Williams, president and CEO, Discovery Park. Greer and Williams also serve on the Obion County Tourism Committee.