Tourism department pitches marketing and grant funds as visitor spending climbs
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Summary
Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell presented a budget request including $13.5 million for marketing, $7.5 million in targeted grants and a $21 million package of minor asks for welcome centers and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, citing rising visitor spending and new international service.
Commissioner Mark Ezell told the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee that tourism is driving significant state revenue and asked lawmakers to fund continuing marketing and grant programs to sustain growth.
Ezell asked for $13.5 million in recurring marketing funds and $7.5 million for targeted grant programs; he also noted minor, targeted requests totaling about $21 million for welcome centers and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. "We're seeking $13,500,000 for marketing, 7 and a half million for grants," Ezell said, and he framed the request as replacing expiring federal dollars and sustaining strategies that drive visitation.
Ezell highlighted industry metrics: he said visitor spending was about $31 billion last year, which generated more than $2 billion in state sales and use tax and supports roughly 376,000 jobs in Tennessee's leisure and hospitality sector. The department cited new international flights and partnerships — including a marketing cover and tie-in with Dolly Parton and the First-Ever Michelin Guide American South state listing — as drivers for increased international visitation and higher per-visitor spending.
The committee voted to move the tourism budget request to the Finance Committee by voice vote; the chair recorded the voice vote as eight ayes.
Next steps: the tourism budget requests and proposed grants will be considered by the Finance Committee; departmental staff will be available for follow-up questions on specific line items.
