When it comes to tourism in Chattanooga and Hamilton County, order has, at long last, been restored.
Three years after the global pandemic cratered tourism numbers in the Chattanooga area and elsewhere, Hamilton County generated $1.63 billion in domestic visitor spending in 2022, per the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. That figure represents an 8% increase compared to 2021 — and a new record.
Spurred by time-honored attractions including Rock City, Ruby Falls and the Tennessee Aquarium, as well as sports teams such as the Chattanooga Lookouts and events including the Ironman triathlon, Hamilton County ranked fifth among Tennessee counties in tourism spending.
“The economic vitality fueled by tourism creates jobs, supports local businesses and funds community projects, all of which contribute to making Hamilton County an even better place to call home,” says Chattanooga Tourism Co. President Barry White.
Tim Sears, Creative Discovery Museum CEO and president
Photo by Bob Gary / Creative Discover Museum CEO Tim Sears with daughter, Monroe.When Tim Sears moved from Nashville to Chattanooga in late 2023, he did more than succeed Henry Schulson as president and CEO of the Creative Discovery Museum.
He got the keys to a building barely two months removed from a $12.5 million renovation, which he says “speaks volumes” to the support CDM garners from its board and the community generally.
“It’s also a tribute to the legacy left” by Schulson, he adds, referencing his predecessor, who retired in 2023 after 26 years as the museum’s chief executive.
“The opportunity here is to elevate operations set a new standard of excellence for how this museum can support Chattanooga as it grows,” says Sears, who came to the CDM from Nashville’s Adventure Science Center. In 12 years there, he went from managing the annual fund and fund-raising events to becoming the director of operations in 2020.
A 38-year-old native of Augusta, Georgia, Sears knows his way around museums. “I’m the son of scientists,” he says, and holder of a master’s degree in museum studies from Johns Hopkins University.
Andrew Zito, Chattanooga Lookouts vice president
Contributed photo / Andrew Zito“The sport and event industry will continue to embrace technology to craft and create unique experiences for fans. Digital tickets and cashless facilities are just the beginning.
Cutting-edge technology will be used to enhance and streamline the ticketing experience. We will see more grab-and-go options that feature automated and self-checkout options for concessions and merchandise. Replays, stats and advanced metrics will be available on your phones with the click of a button.
Teams will further utilize patron data and purchase behaviors to gain a better understanding of their consumer, and tailor the event experience for each individual fan.”
Brian Murphy, Chattanooga Tourism Co. chief development officer
Contributed photo / Brian Murphy“As we look ahead to 2030, Chattanooga will continue to leverage our ‘Gig City’ status by increasing tech-driven services for business and leisure travelers.
Sustainable practices by our partners, locally sourced offerings, and advanced AI integration will redefine guest experiences. Culturally diverse catering options and enhanced flexibility in hospitality will cater to evolving guest needs.
Our role is to lead this transformative journey, ensuring seamless integration of technology while preserving the human touch that defines Chattanooga’s hospitality.”
Mitch Patel, Vision Hospitality CEO and president
Contributed photo / Mitch Patel“By 2030, the hotel industry is poised for a transformative journey by integrating AI and enhanced technology. Our industry has been historically slow to adapt to technology, but that is accelerating.
We’re already witnessing AI’s integration into daily operations, and this trend will only intensify. While these advancements promise numerous benefits for service quality, they can’t replace the essence of genuine human experience. People will always crave those memorable experiences that only personal interaction can deliver.
So, while technology will make things more efficient, we must maintain the importance of genuine personal hospitality. We consider this new technology lending a hand so our associates can spend more time doing what they do best: taking care of our valued guests.”