Tourism Information

Tourism Quick Facts

Tourism plays a vital role in the local economy as shown in a 2007 study by the Travel Industry of American (TIA), which was commissioned by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

Hamilton County Tourism Industry
• Annual Visitors 3,000,000 +
• Annual Tourism Spending $710,200,000
• People Employed 7,500
• State Tax Collections $40,200,000
• Local Tax Collections $15,500,000
• County Lodging Tax $4,433,948

Chattanooga Accolades

• Chattanooga noted a top “Weekend Getaway with the kids, third in the country behind Disney World and Orlando.” - Southern Living Reader’s Choice Awards

• Winner of the prestigious Pinnacle Award - Successful Meetings Magazine

• Winner of the Top Destination Award - Facilities & Destinations Magazine

• “One of the top ten Overlooked and Underrated Family Destinations.” - Fodor’s

• “Chattanooga is one of America’s reborn cities.” - Parade Magazine

• “One of six cities worldwide that work at creating great urban experiences.” - US News & World Report
• “Chattanooga - one of the top 5 family-friendly cities in the South, one of the top 10 best vacation cities in the country, and city with the best friendly spirit.” - Family Fun Magazine

• “Chattanooga is well on its way to becoming one of America’s best mid-sized cities.” - The Washington Post

• “One of ten dream towns in which to live big, play hard, and work, if you must!” - Outside Magazine

• “Chattanooga Is One Cool City.

” “A jackpot destination for lovers of the outdoor life.”
• -Runner’s World Magazine

Chattanooga Visitor Markets/Demographics

Top Producing Visitor Markets In Rank Order:

• Atlanta, Nashville, Birmingham, Huntsville, & Knoxville

Visitor Demographics

• 57% Female (35-49) HHI - $60,000+ - Median HH Size (3)

Visitor Satisfaction Ratings

• (On a scale of 1-5) 4.43%

Top Chattanooga Attractions Visited In Rank Order:

• Tennessee Aquarium
• Rock City
• Ruby Falls
• IMAX Theatre
• Incline Railway
• Chattanooga Choo Choo
• Hamilton Place
• Creative Discovery Museum
• Pointe Park
• Railroad Museum
• Southern Belle