Latest Tourism Research
We will release new research reports every two weeks or as new data justifies. This week’s report has new data and trends specific to Hamilton County.

IM Events Cannot Take Place in 2020, $22.8M Loss
The IRONMAN 70.3 and full distance triathlons cannot take place this year due to a recent mandate from the City of Chattanooga. The result is in an estimated economic loss of $22.8 million to Hamilton County and the surrounding communities.

Key Takeaways from Today’s Weekly Tourism Discussion: Reopening Series 

Sign up for Weekly Discussions and view recordings online.  

Hamilton County Hotel Data

• In last 28 days, 50% occupancy on weekdays (Sun-Thurs) and 69% on weekends (Fri-Sat)
• Overall, down 23% compared to this time last year
• Hotel revenue: Month to Date (July) down 8% compared to same time last year (Down about $1 million)
• Downtown specifically – averaging 50% occupancy; but down about 17% for July

Chattanooga Tourism Co. & Community Updates 

View a full list of updates and virtual discussions/webinars/events online.

• July 23, 11 a.m. Chattanooga Tourism Co. Weekly Discussion – Reopening Series
• July 30, 11 a.m. Chattanooga Tourism Co. Weekly Discussion – Reopening Series
• Congratulations to Susan Harris, See Rock City, Inc., who was recently elected to serve SRC as the President & Chief Executive Officer
• Chattanooga Motorcar Festival reschedules for Oct. 15-17, 2021
• Music Therapy Gateway in Communication + Soundcorps announce Chattanooga Area Musicians' Relief Fund
• TN.GOV Covid Epidemiology and Surveillance Data
• Arrivalist: Road trips continues upward trend on weekend of July 10^th despite increasing Covid cases, travel of 250+ miles on rise
• Four trends from Expedia’s 2020 summer travel report
• Longwoods Traveler Sentiment Survey Wave 15 shows reversal in traveler confidence
• TN Dept. of Health issues guidelines on employees returning to work
• New TN Pledge guidelines: Media Production
• U.S. Travel Association circulates 2^nd letter urging Congress to prioritize additional relief for destination marketing organizations
• Destinations International partners with National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals to address industry diversity gap
• National Restaurant Association: Restaurants added 1.5 million jobs for the second consecutive month
• U.S. Travel Association Press Briefing: U.S. Travel emphasizes need for healthy travel practices, wearing masks
• Restaurant Business: An Employee has COVID-19. Should You Close Your Restaurant, hear from 3 health experts
• American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute offers course demonstrating cleaning, safety guidelines for hotel reopening
• National Restaurant Association Smart Brief (7/15)
• American Hotel & Lodging Association Smart Brief (7/15)

Reopening Chattanooga Industry Guidance includes a schedule of relevant industry webinars/virtual discussions.

Recent media coverage as a result of our public relations efforts & local stories:

• The Atlantic: Tennessee – Images of the Volunteer State (shared on MSN Travel)
• News Channel 5/Nash: New national exhibit highlights the only female Medal of Honor recipient
• NoogaConnection: Webcast, features Tim Morgan, President of Chattanooga Sports
• Cuisine Noir: Traveling Close to Home – Discovering Hidden Gems in Georgia
• Northwest Georgia Living Magazine: Travel – Spend a Week in Scenic City

Trending travel & hospitality articles

• Meetings Today: Black Destination Leaders Answer ‘5 Questions About Race’ in Powerful Video during the 2020 Destinations International annual conference this week
• Meetings Today: How to Recruit Underrepresented Professionals for the Next Generation of Leaders
• Barkley’s Point of View Briefs: Being a useful brand during Covid-19
• Development Counsellors International: Being able-minded about accessible travel
• Development Counsellors International: Travel Influencers – Rethinking Relationships Post-Covid

Thanks for reading the Chattanooga Tourism Co. Thursday Weekly Update featuring the latest news from the tourism industry and our community. Read past issues, submit updates or sign up for your own copy.

Copyright © 2020 Chattanooga Tourism Co.
736 Market St., 18th Floor, Chattanooga, TN 37402
View or Request a Visitors Guide