The American Music Tourism Act, a federal bill designed to support music tourism across the U.S., was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Oct. 14).
The legislation, which drew broad bipartisan support in Congress, was introduced in 2024 and revived last year. It requires the U.S. assistant secretary of commerce for travel and tourism to execute a plan to increase music tourism for both domestic and international visitors and submit a report to Congress on the “successes and vulnerabilities” of their goals.
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Future Market Insights forecasts that the music tourism market in the U.S. will hit $11.3 billion in revenue by 2032.
Sponsored by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO), the bill is endorsed by a raft of organizations, including the National Independent Venue Association, Nashville Songwriters Association International, the Recording Academy, the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum, National Music Publishers Association, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Broadcast Music, Inc., the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Memphis Tourism, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Recording Industry Association of America, Overton Park Shell, Society of Composers and Lyricists and Global Music Rights.
“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,” said Senator Blackburn in a statement. “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.”
Added Senator Hickenlooper, “We’re glad to see our American Music Tourism Act become law. Our new law will drive even more visitors to our outstanding venues across Colorado.”
The bill’s co-sponsors include U.S. Senators Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.).