President Trump Signs Blackburn’s Bill to Support Music Tourism Into Law

This press release from Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) was published on 2026-10-14 and titled "President Trump Signs Blackburn’s Bill to Support Music Tourism Into Law".

President Trump Signs Blackburn’s Bill to Support Music Tourism Into Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) released the following statements after President Trump signed into law their bipartisan legislation, the American Music Tourism Act, to support music tourism in Tennessee and across the country: "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. "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." "We're glad to see our American Music Tourism Act become law," said Senator Hickenlooper. "Our new law will drive even more visitors to our outstanding venues across Colorado." The American Music Tourism Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.). BACKGROUND Music tourism - both the act of visiting sites important to the history of American music culture and the act of traveling for concerts and music festivals - is a vital industry for American culture and an economic driver for our communities. Music tourism has emerged as a top travel trend, with the market forecasted to reach $11.3 billion in revenue by 2032. The United States, which boasts one of world's largest music industries that generates over $43 billion in revenue each year, is one of the main beneficiaries of this international interest in music tourism. THE AMERICAN MUSIC TOURISM ACT The American Music Tourism Act will leverage the existing tourism framework within the Department of Commerce to highlight and promote music tourism in the United States. Specifically, this law will require: The Assistant Secretary to implement a plan to support and increase music tourism for both domestic and international visitors; and A report to Congress on the successes and vulnerabilities of the Assistant Secretary's goals to increase travel and tourism. Click here for bill text. ENDORSEMENTS This legislation is endorsed by 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. "Independent venues and festivals are the lifeblood of local communities, not just as cultural hubs but as powerful engines of economic activity Fans travel for them. They book hotels, fill restaurants, and shop on Main Street because a show is happening that night. The American Music Tourism Act is a jobs bill. We are thrilled the House and Senate have prioritized driving domestic and foreign visitors to the nation's music attractions and independent stages. Now, we encourage the President to sign it and give the country its first national strategy for music tourism. It is a bipartisan policy that treats live music as the economic asset it already is. We are grateful to Senators Marsha Blackburn and John Hickenlooper and to Representatives Diana Harshbarger and Nanette Barrag n for their leadership, and to the Senate Commerce and House Energy and Commerce committees for moving forward this bill," said Stephen Parker, Executive Director, National Independent Venue Association. "The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is elated that the American Tourism Act has been enacted. As the owner of an iconic music venue, The Bluebird Caf , we acutely understand the economic and social impact of music tourism. The music tourism market is projected to exceed $11 billion in revenue by 2032. With adoption of this Act we expect that the music tourism industry can thrive beyond that expectation," said Bart Herbison, Executive Director, Nashville Songwriter's Association International. "Today is a great day for music people everywhere. The signing of the American Music Tourism Act recognizes what we've always known: music doesn't just move us; it moves local economies. From the venues that anchor their neighborhoods to the creators who fill them, this law honors the real impact of music on communities across the country. We're grateful to Senators Blackburn and Hickenlooper and Representatives Harshbarger and Barrag n for their bipartisan leadership, and to the president for signing this into law. The Recording Academy has championed this since day one, and we're proud to see it cross the fin