Visitors to Chester County generated $8,235,905 in spending in 2025, according to newly released data from Tourism Economics and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
Statewide, Tennessee’s tourism industry generated a record $32.5 billion in direct visitor spending in 2025 and $3.3 billion in state and local tax revenue. The state’s tourism economy has grown 40% since 2018, nearly double the national growth rate of 22%.
In 2025, visitor spending generated $400,156 in local tax revenue for Chester County and supported 75 jobs across the county.
“Tourism continues to be an important and growing part of Chester County’s economy,” said Blake Hopper, Executive Director/CEO Henderson | Chester County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. “We are seeing increased interest in our community, our events, our outdoor recreation, and the authentic small-town experiences that make Chester County unique. Every visitor who eats in a local restaurant, shops with a local merchant, attends our BBQ Festival, West TN State Fair, or explores places like Chickasaw State Park contributes to our local economy.
“We are committed to promoting our community while developing tourism in a way that strengthens our businesses, preserves our character, and creates long-term economic benefits for Chester County,” Hopper said.
BY THE NUMBERS*:
- Direct visitor spending in Chester County generated $434,364 in state tax revenue.
- Every day, visitors spend $22,564 on lodging, retail, transportation, recreation and dining throughout Chester County.
- If it were not for state and local taxes generated by tourism, each household in Chester County would pay $130 more in state and local taxes.
- Visitor-paid taxes support public education and other critical services across Tennessee.
*Research conducted by Tourism Economics, commissioned by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. The data above highlights the impact of visitors within the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Chester County.
“Tennessee is a sales tax state. The quality of our assets – whether that’s live music or entertainment or outdoors – are attractive to visitors,” said Mark Ezell, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Every tax dollar captured from an out-of-state visitor is a dollar retained in Tennessee and used for Tennesseans. It’s incredible to see communities understanding the power of visitor spending, and leveraging that spending for the good of their residents.”
2025 Statewide Highlights:
- Visitors spent $89 million per day across the state in 2025.
- Tennessee’s 2.7% year-over-year growth in visitor spending outpaced the national growth rate of 1.9%.
- Fifty-seven of Tennessee’s 95 counties saw year-over-year growth.
- Visitor spending generated $2 billion in state tax revenue and $1.3 billion in local tax revenue.
Chester County is part of Tennessee’s Southwest tourism region, where visitor spending reached $482.7 million in 2025, down 3% over 2024 and up 20.7% since 2018.
The 2025 Economic Impact on Travel Report analyzes statewide spending and visitation from domestic and international travelers to Tennessee. The report includes methodology used to determine visitor spending, tax generation, job creation and more. The TN Travel Impact Interactive County Dashboard provides instant access to key metrics, statewide and by county, about the economic impact of travel to Tennessee. All data is sourced from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Tourism Economics, with national benchmarks provided by U.S. Travel Association.
About Tennessee Department of Tourist Development - The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality.
Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on social media for travel inspiration.
TNvacation.com | chestercountychamber.com
