State of the Workforce - Tourism in Tennessee

From the vibrant energy of Beale Street in Memphis to the high-speed excitement of the Bristol Motor Speedway, tourism plays a vital role in Tennessee’s economy. Host Chris Cannon sits down with Tourism Development Commissioner Mark Ezell and Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association CEO & President Sara Beth Urban to explore how sales tax revenue from visitors is reinvested into communities—creating jobs, increasing wages, and expanding the state’s tax base. They also discuss the rewarding career paths available in tourism and hospitality. Finally, we travel to Gatlinburg, where The Greystone Lodge on the River General Manager Jackie Leatherwood shares insights on hiring in the hospitality industry and building a strong workforce for the future.