The city of Memphis is among the fastest-growing destinations in the United States in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, reflecting the growth of tourism in the city. It’s ranked fifth among trending US travel destinations, a ranking that recognizes destinations with the highest number of positive travelers reviews based on their experiences. This recognition testifies a significant upward trend in visitor interest.

Its inclusion on this list, illustrates how appealing Memphis is in the minds of American travelers. It is described by Tripadvisor as a “pilgrimage site for anyone who wants to visit the birthplace of blues, soul, and rock ’n’ roll.”

The numbers behind the growth of Memphis

The growth of tourism in Memphis is also evidenced by data from Memphis Travel, the city’s marketing agency. According to their end-of-2023 data, around 13.5 million visitors were recorded that year, generating an annual economic impact of approximately $4.2 billion from domestic visitors alone.

As highlighted by Tripadvisor, visitors are drawn by connections to Memphis music legends like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash. Among the most appreciated experiences is the opportunity to immerse oneself in local music by attending live concerts at the city’s many venues.

Memphis Travel’s data shows that the growth in tourism has required improvements in infrastructure in both quality and quantity. The figures count approximately 26,000 hotel rooms available in the Metropolitan Statistical Area, including about 4,000 in the downtown area. This increase in available rooms has led new properties to differentiate their offerings by focusing on vertical service specialization to attract specific market segments. This trend has driven interesting innovations, such as the emergence of hotels in Memphis with self check-in service, and, more broadly, the expansion and revitalization of entire city areas with a wide range of services to meet every need. These upgrades signal a commitment to world-class hospitality standards.

Supporting the rise of new properties is the fact that a significant share of travel groups—61.2% of tourists prefer hotel stays, justifying the increase in hotels and diverse lodging options as visitor numbers to Memphis rise each year. This trend highlights sustained demand for high-quality lodging options.

Reasons behind the growth of tourism in Memphis in detail

The factors driving this growth are diverse and go beyond the city’s historical value in music. Several elements rank highly in visitor reviews on Tripadvisor. Reviews frequently mention the city’s welcoming atmosphere and vibrant street life as key attractions.

Climate and outdoor attractions for all types of visitors

The climate in Memphis is one of the features most appreciated by visitors. The city enjoys more sunny days per year than places like Miami. It has a temperate climate, characterized by relatively mild winters and hot, humid summers. In winter, for example in January, the average temperature is around 42°F, while in July it averages about 82°F. This, along with the many scenic riverfront parks and botanical gardens, ensures visitors a pleasant experience during their stay. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy year-round activities along the riverfront.

The proximity of Memphis to the Mississippi River is an important advantage that has encouraged the growth of riverfront activities: cruises, waterfront restaurants and stunning views. These experiences offer visitors top-tier attractions that enhance their stay. Riverfront developments have also increased safety and accessibility for visitors exploring the area.
 

Historical landmarks and significance of Memphis

Memphis has a wealth of history reflected in the quality and number of museums in the city. A prime example is the National Civil Rights Museum, dedicated to the American civil rights movement. Alongside art galleries such as Crosstown Concourse, Memphis provides an interesting cultural tourism landscape for those wanting to learn more about their country’s history.

The musical importance of Memphis

The crucial role of Memphis in American music history is undoubtedly one of the main factors driving the city’s tourism growth. Visiting Memphis is not just a symbolic act; it is primarily about experiencing live local music by exploring specific streets, areas, and venues. Some of the most visited places include:

• Sun Studio, the recording site of iconic artists like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash, is a historic museum that attracts visitors from around the world.
• Beale Street, a street filled with live music venues and local cuisine.
• Graceland, the legendary home of Elvis Presley and the second most visited house in America.

Top destinations loved by US travelers according to Tripadvisor

If the tourism success recorded by Memphis places it fifth among Americans’ favorite destinations, it is also true that there are other cities that have been even more appreciated by travelers:

1.West Palm Beach
2.Santa Barbara
3.Cleveland
4.Kansas City

Except for Santa Barbara and West Palm Beach, known for years as two of the country’s top seaside destinations, it is interesting to note that all the other destinations are nontraditional and often tied to US history. The real emerging trend among travelers is the rediscovery of their country’s history and culture, the same driving force behind the growth of tourism in Memphis.