WASHINGTON COUNTY, TENN (WCYB) — Tourism in Washington County is on the rise, bringing significant economic benefits to the area. In 2024, visitors spent over $348 million, marking a nearly 9.5% increase from the previous year. This influx of tourism dollars generated nearly $23 million in state tax revenue and close to $13 million locally, supporting local businesses and creating jobs.

Brenda Whitson, Executive Director of Visit Johnson City, attributed the growth to the area’s outdoor recreation opportunities and its appeal as an affordable destination. “I think that a lot of the increase is attributed to our great outdoor recreation,” said Whitson. “People want to come to areas where they feel they can have a great time. It’s affordable. There are many things to do, both for families and if it’s, you know, couples looking to get away for long weekends.”

Events, particularly amateur sports, also play a significant role in attracting visitors. “Oftentimes when people come here for amateur sports, like our USA softball, we had 39 teams just this year and last year, they were 36 teams that were here,” Whitson said. “They come from all over the southeast, and these parents look at this as a vacation.”

Jonesborough, known for its historic charm, draws visitors who often decide to make the town their home. Kelly Wolfe, Mayor of Jonesborough, highlighted tourism’s impact on economic development. “People will come in and then they’ll come back after they chose to move to Jonesborough,” Wolfe said. “It’s tourism driving economic development, driving growth. It’s a really great synergy.”

Tourism not only supports businesses and jobs but also enhances the quality of life for residents. “With growth comes new events. With growth comes new venues, new concerts that you can go to, new plays that you can see,” Wolfe said. “That’s a quality of life enhancement that’s come from growth.”

Brenda Whitson emphasized the importance of tourism for the community. “From the tourism standpoint, it’s important for our community to recognize the value of tourism and what it means to each of us as residents of Johnson City and Washington County,” she said. “Without those taxes coming in, each taxpayer in Washington County would pay over $633 additional in state and local taxes.”