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Report: Tennessee travel spending hit record $23 billion in 2019

In this Wednesday, April 28, 2020, photo, two people walk through the otherwise deserted plaza outside the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. The Opry has suspended all events through May 16 due to the coronavirus pandemic. As businesses start to gradually reopen across the state, Tennessee tourism destinations like the Grand Ole Opry, Graceland and Dollywood remain closed. But many of them are preparing to start welcoming visitors once again in a state where tourists spent $22 billion in 2018. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
In this Wednesday, April 28, 2020, photo, two people walk through the otherwise deserted plaza outside the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. The Opry has suspended all events through May 16 due to the coronavirus pandemic. As businesses start to gradually reopen across the state, Tennessee tourism destinations like the Grand Ole Opry, Graceland and Dollywood remain closed. But many of them are preparing to start welcoming visitors once again in a state where tourists spent $22 billion in 2018. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

By Associated Press 1 min read

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A new report says Tennessee saw $23 billion in travel spending last year, again setting a new record.

The state Department of Tourist Development says the recently released 2019 numbers from the U.S. Travel Association also show a record 126 million domestic stays in Tennessee, up from 119 million the previous year.

The numbers reflect the industry’s growth before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tennessee’s tourism department says the report predicts the state’s travel economy could see a 35% to 45% decline in 2020.

“I’ve seen colleagues and friends lose their jobs, businesses and attractions closed and hotels sit empty,” Tennessee Tourism Commissioner Mark Izell said at a news conference Tuesday. “But now, with our businesses taking the Tennessee Pledge, our restaurants and attractions are ready to safety welcome travelers.”