Latest news with #NashvilleConvention&VisitorsCorp
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The ripple effect of Trump's tariff war with Canada on Nashville's local economy
Nashville, Tennessee — In Music City, there are early signs that President Trump's trade war with Canada is striking the wrong chord. Around half of Nashville's international visitors come from Canada, according to the nonprofit Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. But Canadians are not crossing the border in the numbers they once did, angry about the president's tariffs on Canadian goods not covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement and his disparaging remarks towards America's northern neighbor. Bill DeMain, a musician who runs the walking tour company Walkin' Nashville, says Canadians normally make up about a third of his clientele. "I can feel the effects of it immediately," DeMain said of Trump's tariffs. "…There's a financial group from Toronto that I've worked with for years. They had a tour on my books for May, for 28 people, and they cancelled it." He says it was "more than a sense" that they canceled because of the trade war, he "was absolutely sure" that was the reason. Nashville has direct flights from six destinations in Canada, according to Nashville International Airport. However, last month, Edmonton-based Flair Airlines canceled its service, leaving WestJet and Air Canada as the only two carriers offering nonstop service between Canada and Nashville. Advanced bookings from several major Canadian cities to the U.S. are down about 20%, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. The U.S. Travel Association says just a 10% dip in Canadian travel to the U.S. for the year could result in over $2 billion in lost spending. "It's a huge generator of our downtown income," said Nashville City Councilman Jacob Kupin, who represents downtown Nashville. In 2023, city tourism generated over $10 billion, according to Nashville city data. Kupin is concerned that a trade war with Canada will ultimately hurt Nashville's economy. "If it's lowering tourism, it does hurt the local economy, right?" Kupin said. "It does hurt the local businesses and local folks that are trying to make money and make a living. They're gonna see it first, right? The tour guide on the street's gonna know earlier what's going on, and kind of see the drop in traffic." It's a sour note DeMain says is getting louder as his Canadian cancelations keep climbing. DeMain says his message to Canadians "would be one of love," and he would tell them, "Come see me if you're uncomfortable with the rest of it, just, I'll be here for you." Russian foreign minister on latest Kyiv strikes: "We only target military goals" Judge halts own order demanding Kilmar Abrego Garcia updates Wisconsin judge released after arrest for allegedly helping man evade immigration agents
CBS News
26-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
The ripple effect of Trump's tariff war with Canada on Nashville's local economy
Nashville, Tennessee — In Music City, there are early signs that President Trump's trade war with Canada is striking the wrong chord. Around half of Nashville's international visitors come from Canada, according to the nonprofit Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. But Canadians are not crossing the border in the numbers they once did, angry about the president's tariffs on Canadian goods not covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement and his disparaging remarks towards America's northern neighbor. Bill DeMain, a musician who runs the walking tour company Walkin' Nashville, says Canadians normally make up about a third of his clientele. "I can feel the effects of it immediately," DeMain said of Trump's tariffs. "…There's a financial group from Toronto that I've worked with for years. They had a tour on my books for May, for 28 people, and they cancelled it." He says it was "more than a sense" that they canceled because of the trade war, he "was absolutely sure" that was the reason. Nashville has direct flights from six destinations in Canada, according to Nashville International Airport. However, last month, Edmonton-based Flair Airlines canceled its service, leaving WestJet and Air Canada as the only two carriers offering nonstop service between Canada and Nashville. Advanced bookings from several major Canadian cities to the U.S. are down about 20%, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. The U.S. Travel Association says just a 10% dip in Canadian travel to the U.S. for the year could result in over $2 billion in lost spending. "It's a huge generator of our downtown income," said Nashville City Councilman Jacob Kupin, who represents downtown Nashville. In 2023, city tourism generated over $10 billion, according to Nashville city data. Kupin is concerned that a trade war with Canada will ultimately hurt Nashville's economy. "If it's lowering tourism, it does hurt the local economy, right?" Kupin said. "It does hurt the local businesses and local folks that are trying to make money and make a living. They're gonna see it first, right? The tour guide on the street's gonna know earlier what's going on, and kind of see the drop in traffic." It's a sour note DeMain says is getting louder as his Canadian cancelations keep climbing. DeMain says his message to Canadians "would be one of love," and he would tell them, "Come see me if you're uncomfortable with the rest of it, just, I'll be here for you."
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
1st regional Michelin Guide for the American South launched to honor top southern cuisine
The first regional Michelin guide of top restaurants in North America is heading for the Southeast, and its anonymous inspectors are already in the field. This new Michelin Guide American South, announced Wednesday, will cover six states: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. It will also encompass a pre-existing Atlanta, Georgia, Guide. The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp is partnering with the state of Tennessee in support of the American South project, said Deana Ivey, NCVC's president and CEO. "We are thrilled that for the first time our Nashville restaurants have the opportunity to be considered by the prestigious Michelin Guide, which reflects the incredible talent and creativity found across our culinary scene,' Ivey said. 'While we're known globally for our music, our restaurants and chefs have earned national acclaim and are consistently honored among the best in the country. Recognition by the Michelin Guide would further cement our reputation as a must-visit destination for food lovers.' The full 2025 restaurant selection will be revealed later this year during the annual Michelin Guide ceremony for the American South. No further details have yet been released about the ceremony. The Michelin Guide was first published in France at the turn of the 20th century to encourage tire sales by giving practical advice to French motorists. It remains a stalwart source for identifying some of the best restaurants in the world. More: A Nashville Michelin Guide? Chefs say they'll be ready if expansion continues South Though the Michelin Guide covers restaurants from casual to fine dining in its search for broader excellence, its coveted Michelin Stars are reserved for the highest in culinary excellence. According to a media statement from Michelin North America, Inc., the new regional approach allows the guide to better uncover the authentic food culture of the American South, outside of its main urban centers. 'We are excited to embark on this new journey for the Michelin Guide as this will be the first time since the Guide's North American debut in 2005 that we are launching a regional selection,' International Director of the Michelin Guides Gwendal Poullennec said. 'The cuisine of the American South is a unique product of diverse influences creating an iconic array of specialties prepared by proud and impressive culinary talent.' The South is a treasure trove of unique culinary culture, from the food of the Gullah-Geechie in the Lowcountry to, yes, Nashville hot chicken. The move to focus on such vibrant regional food is long overdue. "Our region has long deserved global recognition for its extraordinary farm-to-table cuisine, world-class seafood, and rich food culture — crafted by some of the world's most creative and talented chefs,' Travel South USA President Liz Bittner said. 'We couldn't be prouder to be the first region in the country to showcase our culinary assets in big cities and small towns on a global stage." More: A guide to Nashville's James Beard-nominated chefs and restaurants The Michelin Guide is a selection of restaurants that display culinary excellence, based on Michelin's historical methodology. Restaurants must display quality products, harmony of flavors, mastery of cooking techniques, the voice and personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine, and consistency between each visit and throughout the menu. Often, the Michelin Guide has relied on local tourism organizations to support the cost of creating and promoting the guides. Korea paid the company nearly $2 million to bring the guide to Seoul in 2016. A Michelin Star is awarded annually to restaurants deemed by the guide's anonymous judges as displaying mastery of the five criteria required to make it into the guide. Since the early 20th century, inspectors have crowned restaurants with one, two or three stars. A Michelin Star awards the food on the plate and does not take into account the restaurant's style or formality. The awards are handed out annually to the best restaurants around the world. A Michelin Star is one of the most coveted culinary achievements a chef can attain. According to the Michelin Guide, there is no secret mathematical formula; they're just looking for really great cooking. Some Michelin-starred restaurants are innovative, some traditional, some prix fixe and some a la carte. "All we are saying is 'these are the restaurants with the best food, where you will enjoy the most outstanding culinary experiences,'" the guide says. "It is then up to the reader to choose the one that best suits their needs/preferences." Mackensy Lunsford is the senior dining reporter for The Tennessean. You can reach her at mlunsford@ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: 1st regional Michelin Guide to highlight Southern food, restaurants
