U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and John Hickenlooper have introduced a bill to help support music tourism throughout the country, dubbed the American Music Tourism Act of 2024.
According to a press release, the American Music Tourism Act of 2024 requires the assistant secretary to identify locations and events in the United States that are important to music tourism and implement a plan to increase and attract domestic and international visitors to venues nationwide.
Music tourism is projected to bring in over $11.3 billion in revenue nationwide by 2032, with the United States boasting one of the world’s largest music industries – generating over $43 billion in revenue each year. The act will require the assistant secretary to submit their findings, achievements, and activities to the congressional and senate committees within one year of its passage and every year after that.
“Tennesseans know a thing or two about the positive impact that music tourism has on the economy and culture,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Volunteer State is proud to be home to so many iconic musical landmarks for tourists to enjoy – from Graceland in Memphis to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol. This bipartisan legislation promotes music tourism’s fast-growing industry and ensures fans from all over the world can celebrate the rich history of music for generations to come.”
The legislation is endorsed by the Recording Academy, the Recording Industry Association of America, Live Nation Entertainment, the National Independent Venues Association, the Nashville Songwriter’s Association International, the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, the National Independent Venues Association, the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development, Tennessee Entertainment Commission, Memphis Tourism, Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism and the Overton Park Shell in Memphis.
“Music venues are keepers of our culture. From Red Rocks to the Grand Ole Opry, and hundreds of small venues across our country, millions visit Colorado and all our states to hear world-class musicians and connect with each other,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Our bipartisan American Music Tourism Act will support these venues by helping our music tourism industry grow and expand.”
We reached out to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their views on the bill, but have not heard back. We will update this article if they reach out.
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