Jackson tourism brunch highlights Madison County’s economic growth

JACKSON, Tenn. — Visit Jackson, TN hosted a legislative brunch at Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store as part of the inaugural Blue Suede Rockabilly Weekend.

The event offered opportunities for local, regional and state officials to network with the local tourism industry.

The keynote speaker, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Mark Ezell, said Jackson has one of the best locations for a growing city in the state.

“There’s places to get away, you’ve got new state parks that are close by other venues that take advantage of wineries and other getaway spots for people to have a good time, relax, have a drink, so you’ve got those pieces, and then you’ve got some of that big city feel,” Ezell said.

Tourism drives state economy

During his presentation, Ezell spoke to the impacts of Tennessee being what he called a “sales tax state.”

Most of Tennessee’s economic growth has come from an explosion in tourism. Tennessee now ranks 11th in the nation in visitor spending.

Tennessee now participates in the Michelin Guide, recognizing 36 restaurants across seven cities.

Estimated visitors to Madison County from 2024 show nearly one million day visitors who contribute millions toward education by way of sales taxes from hospitality and leisure.

“So when they come, almost half that money on the state’s side goes to the education fund. That’s what most Tennesseans wouldn’t realize how good a visitor is for us because they come here, they leave us their taxes, and then they go home and we don’t have those expenses for education,” Ezell said.

Air travel is also booming across the state in the last year, bringing even more economic growth from visitors.

Visitors from international flights added an extra $900 million in spending in 2024.

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