Nashville Hotels See 25% Spring Booking Surge Amid 2026 Boom

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Hotels across Middle Tennessee have logged a 25% increase in bookings for spring festivals and events compared to last year, according to initial reports from Fox 17 Nashville. The spike underscores a strong rebound in the state's $29 billion tourism industry, which welcomed 14.3 million visitors in 2024 and continues to expand. Operators attribute the growth to pent-up demand, major events like the CMA Fest and Bonnaroo, and Nashville's evolving skyline of attractions. Fueling the momentum are high-profile openings slated for 2026, including Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel at 1600 McGavock Street, set to debut in September with reservations already live despite its summer launch target. The downtown property features on-site venues like Parton's Live and Jolene's for dining, cocktails, and live songwriter performances. Meanwhile, Visit Music City projects two new hotels adding 180 rooms this year, following 11 openings with 1,510 rooms in 2025, as downtown neighborhoods like SoBro and the Gulch vibrant with expansions. Local hoteliers report sold-out weekends for events such as the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival and Pilgrimage Music Festival, with average daily rates climbing 15% year-over-year. "This is Music City's strongest spring on record," said a spokesperson for the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. The Chloe hotel in Hillsboro Village, another 2026 newcomer from LeBLANC+SMITH, pays homage to Tennessee's musical heritage, further drawing crowds. As America 250 celebrations approach, Tennessee tourism officials forecast sustained growth through 2026.