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The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is one of the leaders among state organizations in the United States tourism industry. In 2006, Tennessee's tourism generated a $13.4 billion economic impact to the state's economy, a $1 billion increase for the second consecutive year. More than 181,000 Tennesseans are now employed in the state's tourism industry. Payroll generated by direct travel spending grew 3.1% to $5.1 billion in 2006. Tennessee's 49,750,000 overnight and day-trip visitors provided more than $1 billion in state and local sales tax revenues for the second consecutive year.
The department's marketing activities promote Tennessee to vacationers in the United States as well as internationally. The department also operates 13 Welcome Centers along the interstate highway system in Tennessee. Each of the Welcome Centers is equipped with a toll-free telephone system allowing travelers to make hotel, motel, and campground reservations anywhere in Tennessee. |
