Last year, tourism was Campbell County’s leading industry showing gains across the board.  In 2017, $58.82 million dollars were generated by county visitors; that is $1.73 million more than in 2016. The money from tourism translated into a $411 tax savings per county household. The previous year’s savings per household was $365.31.

Visitors were drawn to the area not just for the lakes, but for the mountains as well.

“I am very proud of our small business owners on Norris Lake and our business owners with the resort ATV campgrounds,” said Cindi Reynolds, director of tourism and retirement for the county. “Ride Royal Blue has really come through this year with increased travelers and Norris Lake has become a premier vacation destination.”

While visitors to the county contributed to its funds, their presence also created the need for jobs. The 490 jobs filled in the areas that take care of tourists, equated into just over $ 11 million in payroll for county residents. That is also increase from 2017 of $430,000 and an increase of 79 jobs, according to numbers released by the Chamber of Commerce.

Currently, Campbell County is ranked 27th out of the state’s 95 counties when tourist dollars are evaluated. Last year, the county was ranked at 28th.

“I could not be more pleased with our numbers,” Reynolds said. “Number 27 in the state of Tennessee makes us proud. Tourism is Campbell County’s industry.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/21/2018-6AM)

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