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Columbia’s Tourism Success: $136.8M Impact and $352 in Tax Savings per Household

Issue #215

19 Sep

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌤 Columbia Weather - Mostly sunny with a high of 87

📰 Columbia’s Tourism Success: $136.8M Impact and $352 in Tax Savings per Household

📌 Friday & Saturday: Multi-Family Yard Sale at Hardison Mill 

🤣 TONIGHT: Comedy at the Factory at Columbia

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

📣 We Want To Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, September 19th

Friday, September 20th

Saturday, September 21st

Sunday, September 22nd

Columbia’s Tourism Success: $136.8M Impact and $352 in Tax Savings per Household

Credit: visitcolumbiatn.com

Tourism has once again demonstrated its significant economic impact on the region, according to new data released recently by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. The second largest industry in the state continues a steady increase as the latest tourism data for 2023 reveals that visitors to Columbia and Maury County contributed a substantial $136.8 million in direct visitor spending to the local economy, representing a 7.96% increase over the previous year.

This impressive growth is a testament to the area’s thriving tourism industry, which continues to attract visitors from far and wide. Columbia’s diverse offerings, including the historic downtown district & Main Street, the arts district, historic sites, natural attractions, recreation, and vibrant cultural events, have made it a popular destination for travelers.

Visitor spending injects real money into the local economy, supporting small businesses while generating sales and lodging tax revenue. This economic impact is crucial for the overall health and prosperity of Columbia & Maury County. The local tourism industry supported 955 jobs in Columbia & Maury County during 2023, and generated approximately $13.9 million in state and local taxes. Additionally, visitor spending contributed approximately $34.3 million in labor income.

"I'm thrilled to see that our community's investment in tourism is paying off,” said Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder. The positive economic impact report highlights the significant contributions of visitors to our local businesses and economy. This data confirms that tourism is a crucial driver of growth and prosperity for our town."

Columbia & Maury County’s strong tourism performance has solidified its position among the top 20 counties as a leading destination in Tennessee. The county maintains its ranking at number 20 in visitor spending among all 95 Tennessee counties, demonstrating its continued success in attracting visitors and driving economic growth.

“Tourism is a vital industry for Columbia, providing jobs, generating tax revenue, and enhancing our quality of life,” said Kellye Murphy, Tourism Director for Visit Columbia. “The continued growth in visitor spending demonstrates the vibrancy of our local businesses and attractions as well as the dedication and effectiveness of our Visit Columbia marketing team to attract visitors and showcase our unique city.”

In looking at the broader economic impact of tourism across the state, Tennessee welcomed 144 million visitors in 2023 which generated an impressive $30.6 billion in direct visitor spending, supporting 191,522 jobs and generating $3.15 billion in state and local tax revenue.

The economic impact of visitor spending is a direct benefit to the citizens of Columbia & Maury County because it translates to approximately $352 in tax savings for every household in the county. And the positive impacts of visitor spending extend beyond economic benefits to include the thriving economy of local businesses, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the enrichment of the overall community experience.

Friday & Saturday: Multi-Family Yard Sale at Hardison Mill

Our annual multi family yard sale is this weekend! We have kids clothes, adult clothes, toys, furniture, household items and so much more. The weather is supposed to be beautiful so come shop or just stop by and say hi!

Friday & Saturday (9/20 & 9/21)
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4544 Hwy 431, Columbia

🤣 TONIGHT: Comedy at the Factory at Columbia

🤣 Get your laughs tonight at The Factory at Columbia! 🤣

101 N. James Campbell, Columbia

7:00 PM

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, September 19th

Oliver Pigott, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Codetta South, Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
Murphy Ridge, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, September 20th

Kristin Larkin, Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
Alyssa Hart, Grinder's Switch, 7-9 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Rory Feek, Homestead Hall, 7:00 PM
The Heels, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Bald Kernal, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, September 21st

The Unforgettables, Puckett's, 10 AM - 2  PM
Grasskickers, Amber Falls Winery, 3-7 PM
TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
Jennifer Leigh & Cody Hunt, Buck & Board, 5-8 PM
Bobcat, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Matt Nicholls Trio, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Polly's Pocket, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, September 22nd

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Carson Phillips, Amber Falls Winery, 1-5 PM
Kenny Durham, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

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