Memphis tourism sees path from struggle to strength in 2026
Regena Bearden, chief marketing officer for Memphis Tourism, presents at the first meeting of the Metro Memphis Attractions Association on Jan. 6. (Sophia Surrett/The Daily Memphian)
Memphis hospitality and tourism had a challenging year in 2025 but ended on a positive note, and officials are optimistic that momentum will continue this year.Â
Last year Memphis was one of the few markets nationwide to see hotel-occupancy growth, rising 2.7% year-over-year, Regena Bearden, Memphis Tourism chief marketing officer, said at the Metro Memphis Attractions Association meeting at the Halloran Centre on Tuesday, Jan. 6.
She said most other markets lost an average of 2.4% month over month.
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Memphis Tourism Hospitality and tourism Metro Memphis Attractions Association Subscriber OnlyThank you for being a subscriber to The Daily Memphian. Your support is critical.
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Sophia Surrett
Sophia Surrett is a University of Alabama graduate, where she received her B.A. in news media and M.A. in journalism and media studies. She covers small business, nonprofits, restaurant real estate, hospitality and tourism and manufacturing.
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