Tourism continues to make a significant impact on Bradley County, with visitors spending $203.4 million in 2025, according to the latest Tennessee tourism impact statistics. That represents a 3.5 percent increase over the previous year and marks an important milestone for our community.
The latest Economic Impact of Travel on Tennessee Counties report, prepared by the U.S. Travel Association for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, ranks Bradley County No. 16 among Tennessee’s 95 counties for visitor spending, moving up one spot from 2024.
Even more significant, visitor spending generated $20.3 million in local and state taxes, representing an estimated $477 in savings per household.
“Tourism is an important part of our community’s economic story,” said Melissa Woody, vice president of Tourism Development for the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce. “When visitors stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants, shop with local businesses, attend our events, and experience our attractions, they are putting money back into our local economy while helping reduce the tax burden on our residents.”
Tourism is one of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce’s key pillars. The Chamber’s Tourism team works year-round to promote our community and create reasons for people to come experience it. Bradley County has plenty to offer visitors, from festivals, sporting events, and outdoor recreation to arts, heritage, shopping, restaurants, and unique local experiences. But continued growth requires continued investment.
“We continue to see steady growth in visitor spending, which is encouraging,” Woody said. “At the same time, there is an opportunity to capture even more of that spending by creating more reasons for people to visit, stay longer and come back.”
That could include new sporting venues, arts and cultural facilities, heritage attractions, festivals, unique events and other experiences that add to what Bradley County has to offer.
Across Tennessee, travelers spent more than $32.5 billion in 2025, continuing the state’s strong tourism growth.
For Bradley County, the $203.4 million milestone is more than a big number. It represents real dollars supporting local businesses, jobs, and the community we call home.