The Roane Alliance is the economic development agency for Roane County, and is the umbrella organization over the Roane County Visitors Bureau, as well as the Industrial Development Board and the Roane Chamber. Established in 2001 as a catalyst for 'positive economic and community development programs,' the primary reason for the Alliance was to bring the three organizations together under one roof to share operating costs and create a central location that works together to promote and market the county.
Tourism is the 2nd largest industry in Tennessee and one of the largest economic drivers for Roane County, with $71.32M spent by visitors in our county in 2018, per the U.S. Travel Association. The taxes generated by these same visitors resulted in close to $8M which reduced each household’s tax bill around $366. Visitor spending has increased year over year, totaling $1.5M over the prior year and $15M over the past 10 years. In addition, visitor spending means jobs, creating $12.47M in payroll for an average 485 hospitality jobs in the county. In five years, tourism created 70 new jobs and increased payroll by $3.34M.
The county's tourism program that falls under the Roane County Visitors Bureau, was established by resolution and Private Act of 1992, with the primary funding coming from occupancy tax collected in the county and its cities, excluding within the City of Harriman. Operations make up a small amount of the tourism budget, while Personnel, Programs and Marketing make up the rest. The Roane Alliance is able to provide a onestop shop under one roof for more efficiency and productivity, allowing Roane County to be more competitive and successful in promoting our quality-of-life and quality-of-place. To learn about Roane County's quality of life and its assets visit RoaneTourism.com.
