Visitors to Roane = Jobs, Tax Savings and Millions Spent at Local Businesses
Visitors spent $69.82M in Roane County in 2017, according to the latest numbers from the U.S. Travel Association and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. This was an increase of $2.33M over 2016 and one of the largest increases in the past five years. In fact, visitor spending has increased by $7.63M just in the last four years, which is almost double the prior four years that only saw an increase of $2.75M.
How does this affect our residents? Every Roane County household would have had to pay $353 more in taxes last year without the $7.89M generated by visitors who spent money in Roane. In addition, 70 new jobs have been created in the hospitality industry since 2013, now totaling 490 jobs.
“Next time you see an out-of-state license plate or know someone isn’t from around here, welcome them and encourage them to check out your favorite place to eat or shop,” said Sam Ledford, Communications and Marketing Manager, Roane Alliance, “because the longer they stay and the more spent, the more it helps every Roane County household save money.”
“Visitors come to Roane County for several reasons, with our natural assets being one of the primary reasons,” added Ledford. “This is why the Roane Alliance spends resources to not only market but also cultivate relationships and partnerships that increase the viability of those assets – like the Three River Rumble Bike Race, Tennessee Team Trail, Rockin’ the River Fishing Tournament or Storm the Fort ½ Distance Triathlon, held annually each summer. And new this summer – a contest just for retirees.”
The Roane Alliance partnered with Whitestone Inn to help launch a new marketing campaign – Relax in Roane. Launched in key retiree target markets, one lucky winner will win a weekend stay at Whitestone. Digital ads received 95,000 impressions and more than 5,000 entries from states like Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and New Jersey. A winner will be announced very soon.
“Campaigns geared to retirees are one of the reasons we believe visitor spending has increased in recent years. Retirees are visitors first and often visit several times before deciding on a new location,” said Retire Roane Program Manager Alix Riter, Roane Alliance. “Being a partner in the State’s Retire Tennessee program has put our cities on the map, so to speak, as Tennessee is very attractive to retirees due to the lack of taxation on income and pensions. East Tennessee has become the most popular area in the state to retirees because of its natural beauty, so Roane is positioned very well.”
“The state announced this year that tourism is the 2nd largest industry in Tennessee,” added Ledford, “so the Roane Alliance took advantage by promoting our relaxed way of life in our cities and county to key markets, focusing on our quality of life and serene surroundings.”
To learn more about the Roane Alliance’s tourism program call 865-376-2093 or visit www.VisitRoane.com. The Roane County Visitors Bureau is a partner of the Roane Alliance, Our mission is to create an environment and a unified voice that promotes job creation, economic development, enhanced quality of life, education and workforce.
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