Nashville CVC reports 50% lower budget for new fiscal year, remains optimistic for recovery

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp has released its annual report for 2019-2020.

NCVC says before the deadly March tornadoes and arrival of COVID-19, they were on pace to meet or exceed all of their goals for the fiscal year. Before the pandemic, Nashville saw $7.5 billion in direct visitor spending and 16.1 million visitors in 2019.

As of now, NCVC says its budget for the new fiscal year is 50% lower than last year. However, they say there’s a reason for “optimism” as the city continues to recover.

NCVC says its Music City, Inc. Foundation raised $1.4 million for tornado and COVID-19 relief, distributing financial gifts to over 3,800, targeting the front-line employees in the hospitality industry.

So far, 21 citywide conventions canceled meetings this year due to COVID-19. However, eight have since rebooked for future dates.

The National Museum of African American Music is still slated to open later this fall and the multi-use space, Fifth + Broadway is scheduled to open in spring 2021. NCVC also anticipates economic boosts from Chihuly at Cheekwood and the Nashville Yards in the coming year. Additionally, Southwest Airlines added more daily nonstop flights to and from Nashville than before the pandemic.

NCVC also partnered with Vanderbilt Health and Ryman Hospitality Properties to create the Good to Go program, which now has more than 700 members. The program provides businesses with free resources, training, access to public health experts and support to carry out the health guidelines set by the Metro Public Health Department.

Click here to read the full annual report.