Upper Cumberland Tourism Generates $549 Million in Visitor Spending, Supporting Regional Workforce

Tourism continues to play an important role in the Upper Cumberland economy, with visitors spending more than half a billion dollars across the region in 2025.

New data from the Upper Cumberland Tourism Association and the Tennessee Department of Tourism shows that visitors generated $549.4 million in direct spending across the region's 14 counties last year. That works out to more than $1.5 million in visitor spending each day. The economic activity also generated tax revenue equivalent to about $387 in annual tax savings for each household in the region, according to the Upper Cumberland Tourism Association.

For communities across the Upper Cumberland, tourism is about more than attracting visitors. The money visitors spend supports businesses and creates demand for workers in industries that serve travelers and local residents.

Hotels, restaurants, attractions, retail businesses, event venues, transportation providers and outdoor recreation operations all contribute to the region's visitor economy. As tourism grows, employers in these industries need people with skills in customer service, food service, hospitality, maintenance, management and other areas.

The growth has been particularly notable in several of the region's rural counties. Since 2018, visitor spending has increased 86.6% in Van Buren County, 59.2% in Overton County, 52.7% in Fentress County and 50.7% in White County. Warren County also saw visitor spending increase 35.7% since 2018.

Those numbers show how tourism can contribute to economic activity beyond the region's larger population centers. Investments in destinations, outdoor recreation, historic sites and other visitor experiences can create opportunities for businesses while increasing demand for workers.

Workforce Connections plays a role in helping employers across the Upper Cumberland address those workforce needs. Through business services, recruitment assistance, workforce training, Incumbent Worker Training and Registered Apprenticeship, Workforce Connections helps businesses develop their employees and connect with talent.

For job seekers, the growth of the tourism and hospitality economy creates opportunities to enter the workforce, gain experience and develop skills that can lead to long-term careers. American Job Centers across the region also provide resources to help individuals explore careers, prepare for employment and connect with available opportunities.

As tourism continues to generate economic activity throughout the Upper Cumberland, a strong workforce will remain an important part of turning visitor spending into lasting opportunities for local communities.

The region's $549 million tourism economy demonstrates that visitors have a significant impact on local businesses. It also highlights the people behind those businesses and the importance of investing in the workforce that keeps the Upper Cumberland welcoming, active and growing.