Tennessee tourism leader wins national award for industry leadership

Tennessee Department of Tourist Development’s Commissioner Mark Ezell was recently named U.S. Travel Association’s Director of the Year, an honor that he regards as recognition for “Tennessee’s leadership in tourism and what we’ve accomplished together.” 

The award, given annually, recognizes those leading tourism on the state level.

“I have a deep gratitude for our incredible tourism and hospitality industry, the talented team at the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Governor (Bill) Lee and the General Assembly for their continued support and investment,” Ezell said. “This job has always felt missional to me because tourism generates revenue that benefits the Tennesseans we care so much about.”

According to figures from the department, visitor spending has increased 40% since 2018, nearly double the national growth rate. That growth now produces nearly $700 million more in annual state tax revenue than it did in 2018. In 2025, Tennessee saw a record $32.5 billion in visitor spending, money that helps pay public school expenses, such as teachers’ salaries and money for school expenses for low-income students and students with disabilities. Tax dollars raised through tourism also help make needed road repairs, as well as create jobs for Tennesseans. 

Lee appointed Ezell to the role in 2019.

“Tennessee has incredible music, natural beauty, history and attractions, but our people are what truly set us apart,” Ezell said. “Our industry understands how to make visitors feel genuinely welcome through the warm hospitality Tennessee is known around the world for. Those moments are what make a trip memorable and keep visitors coming back year after year.”

Tourism dollars flow from Tennessee Whiskey Trail

U.S. Travel is a nonprofit organization that represents all sectors of the tourism industry, from hotels to airlines, convention bureaus, airlines and theme parks, as well as state tourism departments. It has honored tourism directors with the State Tourism Director of the Year award since 1970, recognizing that leader whose “vision and leadership has driven exceptional results, elevated their state’s profile and delivered lasting economic impact through travel and tourism,” said Spencer Dobkin, manager of media relations for U.S. Travel Association.

The award is one of the highest honors for anyone involved in the tourism industry, Dobkin added.

When asked about his achievements as commissioner for tourism in the Volunteer State, Ezell noted helping rural communities generated much-needed revenue through occupancy taxes and educating them on using visitor-generated revenue to strengthen their economies.

“And in many of our larger cities, we’ve worked on transformational projects, helping bring major events to Tennessee,” he said, citing the MLB Speedway Classic in Bristol and the IBMA World of Bluegrass in Chattanooga.

Looking ahead for Tennessee tourism, Ezell says there’s a lot to look forward to, including the Bill Dance Signature Lakes program, a statewide initiative featuring 18 public fishing locations; adding new gravel and mountain biking experiences to the Bike Tennessee program; new museums in Memphis, such as Memphis Art Museum scheduled to open in December; and the new Nissan Stadium in Nashville that will bring more major events to Music City.

“Our culinary scene is also thriving, and we look forward to hosting the MICHELIN Guide American South ceremony in Nashville this fall,” Ezell said. 

Ezell was selected by fellow state and territory tourism directors from three finalists for the award. 

U.S. Travel Association has a roster of 1,000 members.

The award, Ezell said, Is “recognition that Tennessee’s tourism and hospitality industry is doing a lot of things right, and that’s exciting. Our role at the state is to come alongside our partners with support, promotion and a data-backed strategy that helps Tennessee compete and grow.”