According to Tennessee's 2022 Economic Impact of Travel report, Hamilton County hosted more than 15 million visitors who spent ~$1.5 billion in our community. Curious to see how tourism will shape our local landscape in the future? Enter: The 2023 Chattanooga Tourism Summit.

The annual event will return on Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chattanooga Convention Center with the focus on evolving the future of tourism. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

Schedule

11 a.m. | Exhibitor Showcase + musical entertainment
12 p.m. | Luncheon + main program
1:15-2 p.m. | Post-summit sessions

This year's keynote speaker is Paul Ouimet, who will be joined by Chattanooga Tourism Co. President and CEO Barry White to discuss global tourism trends and how to apply them locally + share their wisdom and vision for tourism.

The annual literary festival is held in the Chattanooga Convention Center. | Photo by Matthew Mendenhall via Chattanooga Tourism Co.

Breakout sessions

Additionally, summit attendees can attend the optional + complimentary tourism breakout sessions.

Staying Relevant in a Digital World | Miles Partnership
Chattanooga Convention Center Future Study | Conventions, Sports, & Leisure International — Pro tip: read our breakdown to familiarize yourself with the study.

Get your tickets to the summit online — your individual ticket includes lunch + access to the educational breakout sessions.

“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," said Barry White. "As we look to the future, our commitment remains steadfast in building upon this success and continuing to showcase the unique offerings and warm hospitality that define our community.”