Williamson County Sees Record Numbers in Tourism Spending

11/17/2009

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Kellye Murphy
615.791.7554
kellye@visitwilliamson.com


Williamson County Sees Record Numbers
in Tourism Spending

Franklin, TN (Nov. 17, 2009) - Williamson County reached another milestone in travel-related spending figures in the latest data released at the 2009 Governor's Conference on Tourism this fall. According to the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development in a study conducted by the Travel Industry Association, the impact of travel on Williamson County continued in a positive upward trend with figures reaching $275.15 million in travel-relating spending for 2008. That figure is up 9.6% over 2007 statistics as Williamson County holds on to its eight-place ranking out of Tennessee's 95 counties.
"We all know the direction that the general economy took throughout 2008 so these results are even more impressive with that in mind," said Mark Shore, Executive Director for the Williamson County Convention & Visitors Bureau. "The growth rate for tourism expenditures in Williamson County grew at more than twice the rate of the state and our region. It proves that re-investing a small portion of the lodging tax back into tourism marketing makes perfect sense."
Research figures also reflect growth in employment, payroll and tax receipts, both state and local. The county's tourism industry accounted for more than 2,420 jobs with a payroll of $48.21 million. Local tax receipts climbed to $5.62 million in collections.
"Our staff here at the Convention & Visitors Bureau knows that what we do everyday to promote tourism effects every citizen in Williamson County," continued Shore. "If not for the dollars that visitors leave in our community, every Williamson County household would have another $320 in property taxes or fees to come up with."

The Williamson County Convention & Visitors Bureau (WCCVB) is the official destination marketing organization for Williamson County and Franklin, Tennessee, located south of Nashville. The WCCVB promotes the Williamson County area, city of Franklin and local historic assets including the "Great American Main Street" experience to visitors across the state, the U.S. and worldwide. For additional information on all the exciting activities in Franklin and Williamson County, contact us by phone 615.791.7554, fax 615.550.2707, toll free 866.253.9207, on the web at www.VisitWilliamson.com or by mail 108 4th Avenue South, Suite 203, Franklin, TN, 37064.

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