More Than Music: Group Demand Hits a High Note in Nashville | Opinion

Hospitality Net, July 8, 2025

It's no secret that Nashville has emerged as a top-tier destination for tourism, commerce, and conventions. Tourism exploded as the city’s popular music-related attractions gained national attention and social groups flocked to the Broadway Historic District to enjoy the array of venues named for a multitude of country music stars. At the same time, corporate relocations and investment flourished as the city’s business-friendly environment, relatively low cost of living, and strong quality of life attracted many firms, including major technology companies like Oracle and Amazon. During this period, hotel demand (and subsequently hotel supply) expanded rapidly, kickstarted by the opening of the Music City Center convention facility in 2013. Through 2019, Nashville hotel occupancy levels soared, and developers were unable to build hotels fast enough to keep up with demand.