Tourism is big business in Rutherford County! According to figures recently released by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and the U.S. Travel Association, the county saw an increase of $24.3 million in tourist spending from 2010 to 2011.

Tourism-related spending in Rutherford County in 2011 increased from $228.57 to $252.83 million, placing Rutherford County in the top 10 counties across the state, for travel-related expenditures.

“The economic impact figures confirmed our belief that 2011 was a very good year for Rutherford County,” said Mona Herring, vice president of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. “In 2011, we hosted many events including a national soccer tournament and major tennis, baseball and equine championships. Last year we opened our new visitors center on I-24 and hosted the launch of the multi-county Jack Trail. ” Herring credits the significant economic increase to these factors.

Money that tourists spend in Rutherford County at restaurants, hotels, retail stores, entertainment venues and on transportation directly impacts our community—without the money generated by tourism, every household in Rutherford County would have to pay nearly $200 more in state and local taxes, every single year.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau is the primary marketing arm of the county and advertises in major national publications as well as maintaining a presence on the internet, social media, billboards and in Tennessee state welcome centers. The CVB produces and distributes several marketing pieces each year, and works closely with event organizers, sporting groups, TSSAA, group tour operators and individual visitors. For more information, visit the CVB’s website at www.ReadySetRutherford.com.