AGP Executive Report

Bonnaroo 2026: Manchester’s “The Farm” opens June 11, with organizers rolling out a day-by-day lineup and new logistics after last year’s weather disruption. World Cup in Tennessee: Japan’s Takumi Minamino is in Nashville as a mentor role while Spain’s team is based in Chattanooga for World Cup prep, giving fans a real local travel moment. Nashville travel safety & legal: A $10M subrogation lawsuit says a storage shed and combustible materials contributed to last year’s downtown library parking garage fire. Cheekwood spotlight: A Nashville garden-and-museum guide highlights Cheekwood’s seasonal blooms and trails—perfect for family-friendly outings. Local outdoor fun: Creek to Cove Paddle drew 72 kayakers for a 3.5-mile Tennessee River route with free boats, lunch, and safety support. Road-trip planning: TDOT is monitoring traffic and safety for Bonnaroo weekend, while a Meigs County bridge concern is met with reassurances it’s safe. Family travel tips: Memphis-area reporting urges parents to check hot playground surfaces and avoid peak heat. Music on the move: Sienna Spiro’s My House world tour launches with a Nashville Ryman stop on Oct. 13, with ticket sales starting June 16 (pre-sale) and June 18 (general).

Airport Rankings: Portland International Airport topped a new AirHelp Score list, and the report also places Nashville International Airport among the top U.S. performers. Golf & Lodging Expansion: Sweetens Cove in South Pittsburg (ranked No. 1 for Tennessee public-access golf) is planning a major multi-year upgrade: a lit 13-hole short course, putting green, cabins, and new dining plus a micro-distillery. Waterfront Stays: A roundup highlights six Tennessee waterfront rentals—from Old Hickory Lake luxury to Center Hill Lake retreats—aimed at travelers planning lake-and-river getaways. Memphis Culture: The National Civil Rights Museum launched the Bayard Rustin Institute, a permanent Memphis hub for education, scholarship, and civic engagement. Sports Tourism: A volleyball event in Savannah generated $3.38M in economic impact, underscoring how tournaments drive lodging and local spending. Family Fun Event: Murphy’s Murphy Mountain Music Summer Concert Series brings American Idol Top Five finisher Braden Rumfelt to Konahete Veterans Park. Travel Disruption Watch: Rock the South rescheduled its festival to Oct. 1-4 after unprecedented rainfall, adding an extra day for ticket holders. World Cup Travel Buzz: A German fan’s Southern road trip tied to the 2026 World Cup continues to go viral.

THC Rule Change: Tennessee’s new ban on THC products (0.3%+), including THCA-converted THC, takes full effect July 1—buyers must transact in person with valid ID for ages 21+. Public Safety Online: Law enforcement and health professionals are urging social media safety after a Snapchat-related incident where a teen allegedly showed up with a laser-attached gun. Wildlife Watch: TWRA says black bears are on the move in Middle Tennessee, with sightings reported in multiple counties; officials recommend securing trash and removing pet food/birdseed. World Cup Travel Buzz (Nashville): Japan has chosen Nashville as its official World Cup base camp at Nashville SC’s training center, hosting a community day at GEODIS Park ahead of its opener vs. the Netherlands. Lodging Update (Nashville): PM Hotel Group took over management of a 12-hotel, 1,533-room Nashville portfolio, aiming to align revenue, sales and marketing across major brands. Summer Weather: Saharan dust could reach Tennessee this summer, bringing dry air and affecting rain/storm development. Road Notes: A fireworks trailer fire shut down part of I-75 near Chattanooga after pyrotechnics ignited.

Sports Tourism Shift: New data says sports trips are turning into longer, family-style getaways, with many groups choosing hotels in highly walkable areas to cut down on parking and traffic stress—Knoxville’s Hilton is being spotlighted for its near-campus, near-stadium setup. Local Travel & Culture: Fort Campbell is getting a rare behind-the-scenes look tied to the film Pressure, offering a civilian-access glimpse at the 101st Airborne’s history and mission. Road Safety: A Hamilton County jury found Randy Vega guilty on all counts in the 2023 Frazier Ave crash that killed a mother and her 1-year-old son. Travel Watch: Tennessee Highway Patrol says a fireworks trailer fire on I-75 led to a post-incident hazmat inspection with multiple federal safety violations. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Monroe County at $3.59/gal (week ending May 30), while Sevier County’s low hit $3.85/gal. Hospitality Business: Ryman Hospitality Properties set its Q2 2026 earnings call for Aug. 7, 10 a.m. ET.

World Cup in Tennessee: Spain says Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Victor Munoz are on track to be fit for the June 15 opener vs. Cape Verde after staying at Spain’s Chattanooga training base for rehab. Roadside travel disruption: A fireworks-loaded trailer exploded on I-75 North near the Ooltewah exit, sparking a major fire and shutting down traffic temporarily; no injuries reported. Smokies tourism upgrade: Anakeesta’s new all-glass Crystal Express gondola opens in Tennessee, promising panoramic Great Smoky Mountains views and a mountaintop “floating overlook” experience. Family travel tips: A guide highlights why Egypt can be a workable family adventure, pointing to major attractions, kid-friendly tours, and easier logistics. Outdoor/eco note: Kudzu’s “Jungle Arby’s” viral moment in Knoxville spotlights the invasive vine’s habitat-smothering impact and why it’s a growing concern. Gas prices watch: GasBuddy reports Tennessee regular averages around $4.08 for the week ending May 30, with local lows like $4.12 in Macon County and $3.85 in Jefferson County. Sports betting & travel draw: Tennessee expects more sports-betting tax revenue tied to Super Bowl LXIV in Nashville, beyond the usual game-time spike.

New Attraction in the Smokies: Anakeesta in Tennessee just opened the world’s first all-glass gondola, the Crystal Express, with 56 glass-walled cabins for panoramic Great Smoky Mountains views—plus a $100 million park expansion that includes the Nighttime Firefly Experience. Sports Betting & Travel Dollars: Tennessee says hosting Super Bowl LXIV in Nashville could boost sports betting tax revenue beyond the usual game-week spike, as more visitors may place bets in-state. Road-Trip Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the cheapest premium and midgrade deals in parts of Tennessee (including Overton County premium at $4.99 and Jefferson County midgrade at $4.32) as summer travel season ramps up. Weekend Getaway Idea: Chattanooga is getting a spotlight as a walkable, car-free-friendly mountain city—perfect for exploring the riverfront and downtown on foot. Weather Disruption: Flash flooding shut roads across the Tennessee Valley, with warnings for parts of Tennessee and Alabama.

Air Travel & Tourism: Southwest Airlines is expanding its Puerto Rico network, adding a new nonstop from Indianapolis to San Juan (starting June 6) and another route from Columbus, boosting seats and visitor arrivals to beaches, historic districts, and rainforests. Local Pride & Events: Memphis Pride Parade and Festival returns on Beale Street, with coverage highlighting the parade’s 51-year milestone and expectations for up to 45,000 attendees. Travel Planning: A new guide shares tips for an adventure-filled vacation, using Pigeon Forge as an example of how to match activities, lodging, and planning to keep trips fun (not stressful). Tennessee Spotlight: A portion of Clarksville Pike in North Nashville has been dedicated to the late Sen. Thelma Harper, honoring her decades of public service. Road Safety: Tennessee Highway Patrol reports a Jefferson County crash where a motorcyclist was injured after crossing into another lane and hitting a Peterbilt truck. World Cup Travel Buzz: Chattanooga drew attention as Spain’s national team arrived for a stop tied to the 2026 World Cup.

Air Travel Expansion: Southwest is reportedly adding nine new nonstop routes in 2027, including a seasonal Nashville (BNA)–Liberia (LIR) service in February 2027—good news for Tennesseans eyeing Costa Rica’s Guanacaste beaches and parks. Local Pride Spotlight: Memphis Pride Parade coverage spotlights today’s Beale Street event, marking 51 years of Pride in Memphis. Nuclear Talks & Tennessee: U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Oak Ridge National Laboratory experts as Iran negotiations near a final phase, underscoring Tennessee’s role in high-stakes diplomacy. Music & Travel Planning: Bryson Tiller announced “The Neo Trapsoul Tour,” a 61-date run starting Aug. 27 with major stops that could pull fans into the region for concerts. Festival Guide: Bonnaroo returns June 11–15 with a first-timer guide to “The Farm” lingo and camp life, plus headliners like Skrillex, The Strokes, and Noah Kahan. World Cup Buzz in Chattanooga: Social media lit up as Spain’s national team trained in Chattanooga ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026. Road-Trip Costs: GasBuddy spotlights low local prices in the week ending May 30, including regular at $3.85 in Maury County and diesel deals like $4.99 in Warren County.

Nuclear Diplomacy in Tennessee: Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with technical experts at Oak Ridge National Laboratory as the U.S. weighs a potential Iran nuclear deal, with about 100 specialists reportedly lined up to help with verification and compliance planning. Memphis Pride Weekend: Memphis Pride Parade and Festival returns to Beale Street Saturday, with organizers expecting roughly 35,000–45,000 attendees, plus a clear bag policy and a full lineup of vendors, stages, and family activities. Smokies Hiking Buzz: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is again topping national hiking lists, and a new guidebook—“45 Day Hikes in the Smokies”—aims to help visitors plan routes. Local Events & Family Fun: Putnam County Library’s Summer Reading Bingo offers stamps for attending events and rewards like pizza coupons and prizes, while Gordo’s 40th annual Mule Day and Chicken Fest brings food trucks, crafts, and family games. Travel Health Watch: Doctors warn norovirus can spread during summer travel, especially in crowded places like hotels and cruise ships.

Norovirus Alert: Doctors say norovirus can spread in summer too, especially during travel and in crowded settings like hotels and cruise ships. Animal Health Watch: Tennessee is issuing new temporary rules after USDA confirmed the New World screwworm in Texas, aiming to protect livestock and pets. Road Safety: Tennessee Highway Patrol reports a dramatic drop in Memorial Day traffic fatalities, crediting slower driving, seat belts, and enforcement. Local Travel & Events: Eastside Timbers youth soccer stars are fundraising to reach nationals in Tennessee and California playoffs. Tennessee Tourism & Culture: Nashville Palace renamed its front bar the “Randy Travis Room” for the 40th anniversary of “Storms of Life,” a nod to Music City history. Travel Logistics: Winair and Contour Airlines launched an interline partnership to make Caribbean connections easier via St. Maarten. On the Road: A fatal no-passing-zone crash in Lawrence County is under investigation. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports Tennessee diesel and regular prices easing in the week ending May 30, with some counties seeing notable lows.

Nashville Tourism Boost: Nashville is planning to pour about $60 million into Super Bowl LXIV with hopes of a bigger return than any prior city event, citing major spending on safety, transport, staffing, and marketing plus an expected $386M in direct state spending. Music City Visitor Demand: CMA Fest is underway, and local coverage says it’s bringing a revenue lift to Nashville businesses as crowds roll in. Roads & Access for Travelers: Memphis’ Whitehaven business owners warn that years of Elvis Presley Boulevard construction could discourage investment, arguing tourism access is being hurt. Family-Friendly Upgrades: Lebanon’s Jimmy Floyd Family Center is moving ahead with a $3.7 million renovation that would replace aging racquetball space with expanded fitness, childcare-focused areas, and indoor pickleball. Outdoor Getaway Ideas: Savage Gulf State Park highlights two scenic stops—Laurel Falls and Great Stone Door—aimed at hikers and campers planning summer trips. Summer Safety Reminder: Tennessee tick prevention guidance urges campers and boaters to protect themselves as warmer weather increases tick activity.

World Cup Security: The U.S. is gearing up for an unprecedented 2026 World Cup security push, with 400+ law enforcement agencies coordinating to protect stadiums, fan festivals, base camps and hotels across 11 U.S. cities. Memphis Area Remembrance: The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall is set to move through the Mid-South, escorted from northeast Memphis to Olive Branch, Mississippi, with the replica displaying names of more than 58,000 fallen service members. Wildlife Conservation: The Memphis Zoo released 80 critically endangered Louisiana pinesnakes back into the wild in Louisiana’s Kisatchie National Forest. Music & Tourism: CMA Fest is underway, with Riley Green named as host alongside Lara Spencer, keeping Nashville’s visitor draw front and center. Local Travel Disruption: TDOT will run nighttime lane closures on I-24 West in Marion County for rockfall mitigation and paving, with drivers urged to slow down and check 511/SmartWay. Road Safety: A motorcyclist died after a high-speed crash on Hermitage Avenue in Nashville. Gas Watch: Tennessee drivers saw mixed fuel pricing in late May, including Shelby County’s lowest regular at $3.58 and DeKalb County’s lowest midgrade at $4.59.

Memphis Tourism Rebound: Downtown Memphis is seeing a clear bounce-back in visitors, with Beale Street activity rising again after pandemic-era dips, according to Memphis Tourism officials. Aquarium News: The Tennessee Aquarium is celebrating the surprise birth of its first-ever red-collared brown lemur, with the baby making occasional appearances in Lemur Forest and a community “baby shower” planned for July. Local Water Relief: Chattanooga City Council approved a long-awaited water main for Raccoon Mountain, a $3.5 million project meant to end years of residents hauling water off-property. Travel + Safety Watch: Tennessee’s air travel is under scrutiny as delays at Nashville International Airport (BNA) point to broader air traffic control issues. Outdoor Fun Calendar: Knox-area listings highlight weekly farmers markets and a free Maryville outdoor concert series running Thursdays in June and July. Sports Tourism Angle: Huntsville is pitching itself as a sports destination for transplants and visitors, blending college athletics, minor league action, and sports tourism.

Road Rage Violence in East Memphis: Cameron Green, 22, was arrested after admitting he fired 2–3 shots during a Primacy Parkway road rage dispute that followed a crash involving a red Ford F-150. Water Access Win for Chattanooga’s Raccoon Mountain: Chattanooga City Council approved a $3.5 million water main to end years of residents hauling water off-property. Opioid Prescription Conviction in Middle Tennessee: A federal jury convicted Murfreesboro nurse practitioner Heather Marks for illegally distributing opioids to about 1,000 patients, with many allegedly selling pills. National Trails Day Camping Ideas: For June 6, hikers are encouraged to swap screen time for trail-and-camp getaways, including options near the Natchez Trace Parkway. Tennessee Aquarium Milestone: The Aquarium celebrated the first birth in its Lemur Forest exhibit—an infant red-collared brown lemur. Travel & Airport Convenience: As of June 2026, 21 U.S. airports offer free “visitor” gate passes so loved ones can walk travelers to the terminal. Downtown Nashville Hotel Update: Hilton Garden Inn Nashville Downtown/Convention Center named Chef Nicholas Franklin to lead its culinary program. Local Hospitality Growth: Chef’s Deal Restaurant Equipment Store expanded Nashville inventory and showroom to speed up kitchen upgrades for new and growing operators. Music & Events: Angie K’s queer country single “Sweatin’” lands with a Joshua Tree-shot video; and the Happy To Be Here Tour brings Aodhán King and Benjamin William Hastings to select cities, including Nashville.

Road & Safety Updates: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency closed a portion of Montgomery Fork Road in the North Cumberland WMA after heavy rain caused a hazardous washout, with repairs and reopening updates promised. Memphis Travel Disruption: Drivers are on edge after three interstate shootings in three days, including incidents on I-240 and I-55, even as officials note a year-over-year decline in such shootings. Memphis Construction Watch: The multi-phase Elvis Presley Boulevard Improvement Project is underway in the segment in front of Graceland (Winchester to Kraft), aiming to upgrade drainage, sidewalks, landscaping, and traffic flow, with completion targeted for early 2027. Tennessee 250 Spotlight: Knoxville and East Tennessee are rolling out America 250 events, including the Museum of Appalachia’s TN 250 Museum Trail running through Dec. 31. Outdoor & Family Fun: A free outdoor concert series is set for downtown Maryville’s Charles West Amphitheater every Thursday in June and July, plus ongoing programming at Ijams Nature Center. Travel Planning Note: AAA says about half of Tennesseans still plan summer trips despite higher travel costs.

Road-Trip Travel & Tourism: TDOT is scheduling concrete pavement repairs on I-24 East near Germantown Road (mile marker 182), with lane closures Friday night through Monday morning on June 5–8 and June 12–15; expect delays and follow posted detours. Music & Events: MicDrop Nation is bringing a four-day Nashville artist intensive (July 20–23) for ages 14–18, with training from top vocal coaches and a competition that could lead to a record deal. RV & Outdoor Getaways: The National Indoor RV Center’s Music City Expo runs today in Lebanon near Nashville, featuring major RV brands plus concerts and events for RV buyers. Aviation Travel: American Airlines Flight 5085 from Nashville landed at Reagan National after a service dog had an “accident,” prompting an emergency response; no passengers needed medical care. Local Sports Buzz: Tennessee-area fans get a big weekend sports moment as Texas Tech reaches the WCWS finals after beating Alabama, while Nashville-area travel plans may also be influenced by major summer sports tourism.