NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tourism officials in Tennessee are counting on bowl games and special events to keep the travel business steady during December.
December is not a key month for Tennessee tourism, a $14 billion-a-year industry. Bad weather restricts some travel, and holiday shopping and parties occupy consumers' time. Youngsters are still in school, which cuts into family travel. And household budgets can get strained at Christmas.
Nashville will host the Music City Bowl Dec. 30 and Memphis will have the Liberty Bowl Dec. 31.
Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have declined 6.7 percent this year, but there's plenty to do in the area.
In Nashville, the Rockettes are performing their Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
Elvis Presley's Graceland home in Memphis is decorated inside and out for Christmas.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
