Tourism in Tennessee continues to boom with jump in number of domestic tourists

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tourism money is coming to Tennessee in record numbers.

The state hosted 119 million U.S. tourists last year, a big jump from the 113 million tourists the year before.

It also brought in a record $22 billion from those tourists.

Tennessee is outpacing the nation in growth of travel tax revenue, expenditures, payroll and employment.

The tourism industry brought more than $50 million new tax dollars to the state. That equals $712 per household.

But, Governor Lee is still pushing for tourism growth in rural communities.

Tourism is Tennessee's second largest industry, following agriculture.