USA gets 'Music Tourism Law' as Trump sign on the Bill
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US President Donald Trump has put his signature on a new music tourism bill, making it a law.
Earlier this year, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn, Republican-Tennessee., and John Hickenlooper, Democrat-Colorado., teamed up on the bipartisan legislation: The American Music Tourism Act.
On Friday, Oct. 9, Trump signed the measure, which will "require the Assistant Secretary to implement a plan to support and increase music tourism for both domestic and international visitors," along with a follow-up report to Congress on the plan's achievements and weak points.
"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," Sen. Blackburn said in a press release.
"Music tourism has such a positive impact on Tennessee's economy," she said, adding we need to ensure that fans from all over the world continue to celebrate our state's rich history 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."
Trump signed the bill only a day before he held a midterm rally in Clarksville, Tennessee, on Saturday, Oct. 10, to "supercharge" his base in the Volunteer State.
"I don't actually have to be in Tennessee, because Bill Hagerty's going to win. Marsha is going to win," Trump said at the rally, weighing in on the upcoming November elections. Blackburn made an appearance at the rally.
"So what the hell am I doing in Tennessee?" Trump said, adding that he wanted "to reward" his faithful supporters here.
"Sometimes it's nice to go to a place where you don't have to be but you're there to say thank you to the great people that elected you three separate times."
While Trump has not spoken at length about Nashville's music industry, or Tennessee's status as a music tourism capital, he has expressed support for individual country music artists in town and praised the country music genre. He is especially friendly with Nashville musicians like Kid Rock and Warren Zeiders.
Music tourism has emerged as a top travel trend, with the market forecasted to reach $11.3 billion in revenue by 2032.
The United States boasts one of the world's largest music industries, generating more than $43 billion in revenue each year.
In Nashville specifically, live music is the primary engine of the city's tourism economy, which generated a record $11.6 billion in visitor spending in 2025, according to the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
The newly enacted American Music Tourism Act requires the Department of Commerce's National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) to encourage both domestic and international trips to musical destinations across the United States.
These destinations encompass music festivals, concert halls, historical sites, museums, recording facilities, and other components of regional music economies.
U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Republican governor candidate makes her entrance during the Trump Midterm Rally at F & M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tenn., Saturday, October. 10, 2026.
The legislation also mandates the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism to carry out initiatives that bolster music tourism, with special attention given to rural and cultural heritage locations.
Following this, the NTTO is required to deliver a report outlining its operations and conclusions to Congress within twelve months, and then once every two years after that.
"The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is overjoyed that the American Music Tourism Act has been passed," stated Bart Herbison, the executive director of NSAI, which was among the numerous local groups supporting the national legislation.
"As the proprietor of a legendary music venue, The Bluebird Cafe, we deeply recognize the economic and social effects of music tourism," he remarked, adding that this law will assist the music tourism sector in flourishing.
Bob Raines, executive director of the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, characterized the new law as "a tremendous victory for Tennessee and for music communities across the nation."
This follows, according to press statements from Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., Nashville welcomed more visitors during CMA Fest and the musical Independence Day celebration than at any point previously.
CMA Fest 2026 produced a record $93 million in estimated visitor spending, up from the prior year's $86 million, while visitor spending hit a record $31.6 million during the first weekend of July.
The press statement noted that approximately 65.5% of survey respondents said the patriotic music and festivities, including performances by The All-American Rejects, Brothers Osborne, Lauren Daigle and NE-YO, were their main reason for traveling to Music City.
"This legislation strengthens our ability to showcase Tennessee's iconic music destinations and drive economic growth through increased tourism," said Raines.
(Source: The Tennessean)
