Memphis hospitality and tourism had a challenging year in 2025 but ended on a positive note, and officials are optimistic that momentum will continue this year. 

Last year Memphis was one of the few markets nationwide to see hotel-occupancy growth, rising 2.7% year-over-year, Regena Bearden, Memphis Tourism chief marketing officer, said at the Metro Memphis Attractions Association meeting at the Halloran Centre on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

She said most other markets lost an average of 2.4% month over month.

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