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Tourism commissioner touts visitor spending gains, new culinary program as bill advances
Summary
Commissioner Mark Ezell told the committee tourism visitor spending increased and highlighted a new culinary initiative and cultural programming; HB 1577 extending the Department of Tourist Development was advanced unanimously.
Commissioner Mark Ezell, leading the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, told the Government Operations Committee that tourism continues to grow and the department is expanding programming that blends music, culinary arts and cultural heritage.
Ezell said the state is promoting cultural tours and arts, has supported international outreach and is debuting a culinary program called Soundbytes that pairs chefs and musicians. He noted tourism economics data presented annually and said visitor spending has grown. "We're up 36%" over a referenced period and he said the state helped secure 36 restaurants named by Michelin; the department also supports major sports venues.
Members asked about targeted economic reports and local business support; the commissioner offered to provide additional data and coordinate with local stakeholders. The clerk recorded a 14–0 vote to move HB 1577 to calendar and rules.
