Hamilton County visitors spent $1.7 billion in 2023, setting record

Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, seen June 29, 2020, is Chattanooga's oldest tourism attraction and celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2020. Staff Photo by Robin Rudd / The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, seen June 29, 2020, is Chattanooga's oldest tourism attraction and celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2020.

By David Floyd September 16, 2024 4 min read

After it cratered during the pandemic, Hamilton County tourism officials have seen visitor spending increase for the third straight year, jumping nearly 6.4% in 2023 to more than $1.7 billion.

“That’s very strong,” Barry White, CEO of the Chattanooga Tourism Co., said in a phone call. “I’m very pleased with that. This is a reflection of our economic growth.”

The top 5 Tennessee counties for visitor spending in 2023:

1. Davidson County: $10.78 billion

2. Shelby County: $4.23 billion

3. Sevier County: $3.85 billion