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Memphis, like most US tourist destinations, has been hit hard by the lack of international tourists brought about by COVID. With 2021 offering little respite on the horizon, the city of soul is rolling out a series of measures to try to revive its tourist, convention, and entertainment sectors and keep international interest in the destination alive.

Whilst the live music, communal style dining, and crowded bars that Memphis is famed for top the list of COVID no-no’s, the city is displaying cautious optimism about the future. As is the case with many destinations around the world, the pent up demand for travel is something that Memphis is looking at forward to converting into a comeback, and Memphis Tourism CEO Kevin Kane says that the investments being made into the city are part of the plan to stage a comeback.

“We spent a billion and a half dollars. We’re improving our airport; we’re making our destination for the future. We’ll have an improved Memphis,” he said. “Once we put COVID in our rear-view mirror, when people don’t have to wear a mask, or socially distance, travel is going to storm back a lot faster than people think.”

In anticipation, a raft of new hotels are slated to open within the city in the coming year including:

  • 227 room Hyatt Centric One Beale
  • 155 room Aloft by Marriott
  • 106 room Memphian Tribute by Marriott
  • 112 room Courtyard by Marriott
  • 95 room Avid by IHG
  • 93 room Tru by Hilton
  • 92 Room Holiday Inn
  • 90 room TownPlace Suites by Marriott

In other news, LEO Events, a global brand experience agency has announced the addition of CUE Experiences to its offering. A full service receptive tour operator, CUE Experiences targets the foreign independent traveller market, and delivers authentic, off the beaten path wholesale experiences for travel agents and tour operators around the world. The purpose of the business is to curate diverse and customised packages for travellers visiting Memphis and the surrounding areas, and the hope is that interest in the area will convert to bookings in anticipation of international travel becoming possible again.

Until then, the release of the digital 2021 Memphis Map & Tourist Guide provides city insights and inspiration to help every kind of traveller make plans.