Hamilton County Attractions Bring In One Billion Tourist Dollars in 2015

If you think you’ve seen more tourist visitors in Chattanooga lately—you’re right.
In fact, the city has now claimed a new record, and that means good news for the local economy.
The aquarium, the IMAX, the riverfront, and popular legendary tourist destinations like Rock City and Ruby Falls—add them all together and Chattanooga is on a roll.
According to new figures released last week by the governor’s office—the city has reach a milestone.

BOB DOAK, PRES. & CEO, CONVENTION & TOURISM BUREAU  “I’m pleased to report that Hamilton county exceeded the one billion dollar mark for the very first time, officially.”

Those figures are from all of 2015, but Doak says 2016 is showing the same pattern.

BOB DOAK  “Visitors left an estimated one billion dollars in Hamilton county making it the number 2 industry in the state of Tennessee and vital to the economy of Hamilton county.”

Low gasoline prices may have lured people to travel last year and this year. Outdoor activities were especially attractive…as all five metro areas in Tennessee surpassed the billion dollar mark. Chattanooga was just ahead of Knoxville, with Sevier county, Dollywood, coming in third.

BOB DOAK  “Chattanooga has continued to see growth in its tourism market and I believe it has to do with the way we continue to promote or never letting our foot off the gas. This is a great destination for families and couples. it’s a great destination for conventions, meetings and groups and its also a great destination for sporting events such as Ironman, Head of the Hooch, softball, soccer, marathons–the list goes on.”

And, Labor day is one of the biggest weekends of the year—and this one has been no exception.

The next big weekend event in Chattanooga is the Head of the Hooch rowing regatta set for November 5th and 6th at Ross’s landing.