CMA Pumps Cash Into Nashville

The CMA Music Festival gave a big boost to Nashville’s economy, reportedly filling 95 percent of the city’s hotel rooms during the June 10-13 concert.

Hospitality industry tracker Smith Travel Research reported that about 700 more rooms were booked in Music City during this year’s CMA fest than in 2009, increasing occupancy rates 12 percent.

In addition, attendance at the festival was up 17 percent, according to the Tennessean, adding about $24 million to the local economy. Last year was nothing to scoff at, either: the event saw a 7.2 percent increase in attendance, climbing from 52,000 in 2008 to 56,000.

“It was a good start to the summer,” Renaissance Nashville Hotel manager John Flemming told the paper. He said the hotel remained nearly fully booked for the National Association of Music Merchants convention June 18-20.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum also fared well during the fest after closing following flooding in May. The HoF reportedly experienced its second best week of sales at its retail shop since opening in 2001.