Pres. Trump signs music tourism bill backed by Tennessee senator. Here’s what that means

What This Story Is About

• A federal bill intended to promote travel connected to American music and music venues has now become law.

Why It Matters

• Supporters of the act say a national strategy could help attract additional visitors and spending to destinations across the state, from Nashville and Memphis to Pigeon Forge and Bristol.

For Context

• The Senate passed the proposal in 2024, and the House approved it in September before it went to the president.
• The bill was backed by organizations including the Recording Academy, Nashville Songwriters Association International, the Tennessee Entertainment Commission and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

Catch Up

• Senate passes bipartisan Music Tourism Bill, sponsored by TN senator

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – President Donald Trump has signed the American Music Tourism Act into law, creating a framework to promote travel tied to music landmarks, concerts, festivals and venues.

U.S. House passes bill aimed at boosting American music tourism

What is the American Music Tourism Act?

The law was introduced by U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, and John Hickenlooper, D-Colorado. Blackburn said the measure will help spotlight Tennessee destinations, including Graceland in Memphis, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.

“The Volunteer State is home to so many iconic landmarks for tourists to experience – from Graceland in Memphis to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge,” Blackburn said.

“Music tourism has such a positive impact on Tennessee’s economy, and we need to ensure that fans from all over the world continue to celebrate our state’s rich history of music for generations to come. The American Music Tourism Act will promote and support the fast-growing tourism industry, and I am pleased it has been signed into law by President Trump.”

Here’s what the act does

The law directs the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Assistant Secretary to develop a plan to support and increase music tourism among domestic and international visitors. It also requires a report to Congress on the plan’s results and vulnerabilities.

“The Nashville Songwriters Association International is elated that the American Tourism Act has been enacted. As the owner of an iconic music venue, The Bluebird Café, we acutely understand the economic and social impact of music tourism,” Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association, said.

“The music tourism market is projected to exceed $11 billion in revenue by 2032. With adoption of this Act we expect that the music tourism industry can thrive beyond that expectation.”