Tennessee tourism saw growth in 2019, now there is a projected decline due to COVID-19

From going to local shops, visiting museums, and even listening to live music. Tennessee has a lot to offer visitors, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the tourism industry took a big hit.

Tennessee is known for its scenic views, good food, and good music. Many people visited in 2019, which drove the state’s economy.

Now things are looking different for the tourism industry.

“Over the last 7-8 months we’ve seen a lot of changes, we’ve seen industry impacted huge, in a huge way that’s never been felt before", says Executive Director for Visit Jackson, TN, Lori Nunnery.

One local museum owner says most of his customers came from traveling through Jackson from Nashville and Memphis.

With people not going anywhere he has relied on people in the community to stop by.

“It just cut every bit of that so, this summer most of its been west Tennessee that’s been coming. So I appreciate all the support and business i did get from them", says owner of Rusty's TV and Movie car museum, Rusty Robinson.

Travel generates nearly 200,000 jobs across the state and almost $2 billion in state and local tax revenue.

Nunnery adds, “we’re not seeing that yet, so there are lots of folks that are out of jobs that are hurting right now.”

Nunnery says she’s seen a trend of people camping as a way to get out of the house but still stay safe. Imani williams, for 39 News, in downtown Jackson.