Tourism in Rutherford County continues to grow at an impressive rate. According to figures released by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and the U.S. Travel Association, Rutherford County saw an increase of 4.9% in tourist spending from 2015 to 2016.

Tourism-related spending in Rutherford County in 2016 increased from $316.45 to $331.89 million, placing Rutherford County in the top 10 counties across the state, for travel-related expenditures.

Destination Rutherford Chairman Bill Jones said, "This increase is proof that we're doing what we said we would. Tourism continues to be a significant economic driver that benefits everyone in the community."

Jones noted that money 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 pay more in state and local taxes, every single year.

Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau Chair Travis Emore commented, "While these numbers are impressive, we look forward to what the future holds for Rutherford County. Our highly-energized Convention and Visitors Bureau continues to work hard at securing and assisting all those who choose Rutherford County as their destination by maintaining a hometown feel that continues to draw people and businesses."