Nashville, Tennessee – The U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee has passed the bipartisan American Music Tourism Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), to support and increase music tourism for domestic and international visitors.
“Tennessees know the positive economic and cultural impact that music tourism has,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Volunteer State is proud to be home to so many iconic musical landmarks for tourists to enjoy – from Graceland in Memphis to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and Dollywood in Pigeon Forge to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol.”
This bipartisan bill promotes the rapidly growing music tourism industry and ensures that fans from around the world can celebrate the rich history of music for generations to come.”
“Coloradans are once again filling large venues and enjoying great music. But it’s up to us to support our local venues,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Our bipartisan American Music Tourism Act is one step closer to that goal.”
Recommendations
This bill is supported by the Recording Academy, Nashville Songwriter’s Association International, Recording Industry Association of America, Live Nation Entertainment, National Independent Venue Association, Tennessee Department of Tourism Development, Tennessee Entertainment Commission, Memphis Tourism, Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, Overton Park Shell, Airbnb and Eventbrite.
“The Recording Academy is pleased to support the American Music Tourism Act and commends Senators Blackburn and Hickenlooper for their continued commitment to advancing the music community. Music has long played an important role in our economy and culture. This bill will enhance the music community’s contribution to economic growth and increase understanding of the impact of music on the United States and the world,” said Todd Dupler, Chief Advocacy and Public Policy Officer for the Recording Academy.
“The Nashville Songwriters Association International is pleased to support the American Music Tourism Act. As owners of an iconic music venue, the Bluebird Café, we understand the impact music has on tourism revenue. With the music tourism market expected to reach $11.3 billion by 2032 and the United States being a major beneficiary of music tourism, it is important that the Department of Commerce’s Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism identify and promote significant music venues,” said Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriter’s Association International.
“From the historic Grand Ole Opry to the legendary Telluride Bluegrass Festival, America’s music history comes to life at iconic venues and attractions across the country. We applaud Senators Blackburn and Hickenlooper for introducing the American Music Tourism Act, which will encourage even more music fans to experience the rich heritage of American music firsthand,” said Mitch Glazier, Chairman and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America.
“In Nashville, Memphis and countless other communities across the country, a vibrant live music scene is an economic magnet that draws fans from around the world. The American Music Tourism Act is important legislation that will help ensure live music remains a pillar of American culture and tourism, and we want to thank the Senator for her leadership on this issue,” said Sally Williams, President of Nashville Music and Business Strategy for Live Nation Entertainment.
“From rural communities to urban centers, independent venues attract investment and visitors to the artists and professionals who put on shows, as well as the restaurants, shops and attractions in the area. The American Music Tourism Act finally recognizes music tourism as a catalyst for economic development and ensures its growth is a national priority. We applaud Senators Marsha Blackburn and John Hickenlooper for aligning the national tourism strategy with the venues and festivals in our country that the world wants to visit,” said Stephen Parker, executive director of the National Independent Venue Association.
“As the proud home of world-famous attractions such as Graceland, Grand Ole Opry, Dollywood and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Tennessee’s tourism industry thrives on our rich musical heritage. The American Music Tourism Act reflects our agency’s commitment to preserving that heritage and strengthening our state’s global musical appeal. By promoting our diverse creative talent and attractions, we believe this legislation can foster economic growth and attract visitors seeking authentic American music experiences,” said Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
“For decades, Tennessee has maintained its reputation as a music tourism mecca, attracting both domestic and international audiences. Our state’s uniquely positioned musical heritage has become a valuable tool for shaping cultural pride, economic growth and community development in every major area. The American Music Tourism Act promotes and supports our distinctive destinations and musical heritage and preserves what makes Tennessee a truly exceptional destination,” said Bob Raines, executive director of the Tennessee Entertainment Commission.
“Music is the number one reason to visit Memphis, attracting both domestic and international visitors year-round. Visitors from all over the world choose Memphis as a vacation destination because of our live music, our musical attractions, and to see and learn about our talented musicians of the past, present and future. Tourism is currently a $6 billion industry for Memphis and Shelby County. The American Music Tourism Act enables the preservation of all sectors of our music industry and is critical to the sustainability and future of tourism,” said Kevin Kane, President and CEO of Memphis Tourism.
“Music tourism is critical to Tennessee, especially Pigeon Forge. Last year, more than eight million people visited our destination, many of them in search of musical entertainment. In addition to a highly successful musical theater community, we are especially proud that Dolly Parton, one of the world’s most famous musicians and prolific songwriters, and her Dollywood theme park give so many visitors reasons to keep coming back. The Department of Commerce’s Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism plays an important role in promoting and increasing tourism for domestic and international visitors. On behalf of Pigeon Forge and other Tennessee destinations that rely on music-loving visitors, I encourage the Assistant Secretary to expand these efforts through the American Music Tourism Act,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.
“The historic Overton Park Shell in Memphis, Tennessee is pleased to support the American Music Tourism Act. As stewards of our iconic venue, which was the site of Elvis Presley’s first live performance in 1954, the Overton Park Shell understands the impact music has on tourism revenue. Amplifying the work of cultural assets will have a ripple effect on the economic impact these facilities bring to our country and the world-renowned legacy of American music,” said Natalie Wilson, Executive Director of the Overton Park Shell.
“Eventbrite congratulates Senators Blackburn and Hickenlooper on their American Music Tourism Act, a bipartisan bill that aligns with Eventbrite’s commitment to live music and its mission to bring the world together through shared experiences,” said Julia Hartz, co-founder, CEO and chair of Eventbrite.
background
- Music tourism – both visiting significant sites in American music history and traveling to current concerts and music festivals – is an important industry for American culture and an economic driver for our communities.
- Music tourism has become one of the most important travel trends. The market is expected to 11.3 billion US dollars Sales until 2032.
- The United States has one of the world’s largest music industries, with 43 billion US dollars With annual revenues of $1.5 billion, the band is one of the main beneficiaries of this international interest in music tourism.
- The Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism in the Ministry of Commerce is in a unique position to identify and promote places of musical significance.
American Tourism Act
Specifically, the American Music Tourism Act would:
- Use this existing Department of Commerce framework to highlight and promote music tourism in the United States.
- Call on the Deputy Minister to implement a plan to support and increase music tourism for domestic and international visitors.
- Request a report to Congress on the successes and weaknesses of the Deputy Secretary’s goals to increase travel and tourism.
Click here for the invoice text.
