Memphis Tourism

Memphis Tourism's research team presented new data that revealed that visitors from our proximity markets are staying overnight in Memphis for longer durations. In 2024 YTD, approximately 47 percent of visitors originating in our five proximity markets stayed in Memphis overnight. This is significantly higher than the annualized 2023 benchmark. Memphis Tourism’s goal is to encourage proximity market visitors to stay at least 1 night in a Memphis hotel—but these overnight visitors stayed for an average of 2+ nights, doubling our target trip duration. So far in 2024 YTD, Memphis Tourism has observed the most growth among proximity market travel parties who stayed even longer than 2 nights. In fact, the share of proximity market travel parties staying 4+ nights in Memphis on their most recent trip has grown by +51 percent YOY, now making up 15+ percent of proximity market visitors. Travel parties from our proximity markets who stayed 3 nights also increased, up +12 percent YOY. Regena Bearden - Chief Marketing Officer Ashley Anna McHugh - Sr. Director of Research

The Marketing team recently coordinated with Graceland to host content creator Alice Kerley to promote the new “Presley for a Day” tour. The experience allows fans to take a private tour of the mansion, a chef-prepared meal, ride horses, and several white-glove photo ops with Elvis’ archives. Alexandra Shansky Shansky - Director of Digital Marketing Camille Connor - PR Manager #DestinationMarketing #Memphis #Graceland #InfluencerMarketing

The Travel Trade team recently participated in the 2024 Travel South International Showcase in Atlanta. This marketplace event brings together more than 400 tourism professionals for three days of meetings and networking opportunities. Memphis Tourism held 42 scheduled appointments and made additional connections through conference gatherings. Memphis was awarded Global Ambassador of 2024 at this year’s showcase. Lisa Catron, CTIS, CSTP, CTTP Catron - Senior Director of Global Travel Trade

The North American Chinese Basketball Association visited the Renasant Convention Center for a site visit. The NACBA coordinates a yearly basketball tournament and considers Memphis for its 2026 event. JJ Greer, CDME, STS Greer - Director, Memphis Sports & Events Amanda Noble - National Sales Manager

This week marks a year since the Marketing team appeared on WREG-TV’s "Live at 9" to promote the I Love Memphis Blog and share exciting weekend events in Memphis. Today, the blog continues to join the show every Thursday and release a weekly “Five Things To Do This Weekend” guide to promote positivity and encourage Memphians to embrace our local culture. Jalyn Souchek, Director of Content Tyra Johnson, Content Creator #Memphis #DestinationMarketing #Hospitality #ILoveMemphis

The Convention Sales and Renasant Convention Center teams welcomed thousands to the 116th Church of God in Christ (COGIC) Holy Convocation this week. This year marks the third consecutive year the #COGIC Holy Convocation has been held in #Memphis, bringing in visitors from across the country and an economic boost to several hotels and businesses in the city. Kermit Madison, CFMP, MBA, M.S. Madison, Senior Director of Multicultural Sales Kimberly Wells, Director of Convention Services/CRM Administrator  Sarah Garner, Convention Sales & Services Specialist Camille Wellington, Director of Sales Alyssa Klein Sandvig, Renasant Convention Center Event Manager LeeAnn Shewbart, Director of Event Services Legend Whiteside, Event Manager  Jennifer Cherep, Event Manager Caroline McCann, Event Manager

The Memphis Tourism Digital and French team partnered with Voyage Pirates to implement an awareness campaign in the French market that showcases Memphis to Voyage Pirates' community of travelers. The global digital campaign launched with a Memphis informational page on voyagepirates.fr , a lively Memphis itinerary video on social media (594k followers), and a detailed travel diary from the writer. Nelly Venturini, Account Director, Europe Alexandra Shansky Shansky, Director of Digital Marketing Tyra Johnson, Content Creator #destinationmarketing #memphis #internationaltravel

Memphis Tourism’s Global Travel and Trade team recently attended the European Joker Travel Show. Joker is a tour operator that specializes in small group travel for the European market. Over 3,000 people attended the show where they had the opportunity to learn about the Memphis destination. Lisa Catron, CTIS, CSTP, CTTP, Sr. Director, Global Travel/Trade Nelly Venturini, European Managing Director - Unique Consulting #Memphis #InternationalTravel #DestinationMarketing #GroupTravel

The National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Awards were recently featured in Black Enterprise Magazine, a black-owned multimedia company. The article features memorable moments from this year's red carpet event in Downtown Memphis, including an interview with honoree Spike Lee, alongside highlights from the ceremony at The Orpheum Theater, such as Xernona Clayton storied fight for civil rights and Sherrilyn Ifill’s acceptance speech - which was described as “profound from start to finish.” This coverage follows a recent press visit organized by the PR team to promote the National Civil Rights Museum, local Black-owned restaurants, and cultural attractions. Kirby Boyd, PR Manager Camille Connor, PR Manager Lauren Berry, PR Director #Memphis #DestinationMarketing #Travel

The Memphis Tourism Digital and French team partnered with Voyage Pirates to implement an awareness campaign in the French market that showcases Memphis to Voyage Pirates' community of travelers. The global digital campaign launched with a Memphis informational page on voyagepirates.fr , a lively Memphis itinerary video on social media (594k followers), and a detailed travel diary from the writer. Nelly Venturini, Account Director, Europe Alexandra Shansky Shansky, Director of Digital Marketing Tyra Johnson, Content Creator #destinationmarketing #memphis #internationaltravel