AGP Executive Report

Bonnaroo Travel Update: Goodlettsville Police say missing Indiana man Trevor Lines, who vanished after visiting Nashville for Bonnaroo, was found safe Saturday night at RiverGate Skate Center and reunited with family. Family-Friendly State Parks: Warriors’ Path State Park in Kingsport is rolling out a week of free activities (birding, crafts, nature games, and campfire storytelling) starting June 15. Memphis Fundraiser: St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway tickets have sold out in Memphis; the live drawing is set for June 28 at 11 a.m., with proceeds supporting care for families. World Cup Tourism Buzz (Tennessee tie-in): A German World Cup traveler, FreddyLA7, is sharing his U.S. road trip online and posted about crossing into Tennessee—plus a stop at Chattanooga—while visiting major football landmarks. Safety on the Road: Reports of a fatal drowning at Oak Mountain State Park and a separate crash in Madison County involving an on-duty deputy highlight ongoing travel risks. UFC at the White House: ESPN shared behind-the-scenes looks at fighters’ unusual fight-week activities ahead of UFC Freedom 250. Sports & Travel Calendar: NASCAR’s Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono is set to be broadcast after Nashville’s recent race, keeping Tennessee fans in the loop.

Family Fun in East Tennessee: Warriors’ Path State Park is ramping up summer with a week of free, kid-friendly activities like corn husk dolls, birding, invasive-species games, and owl-pellet programs. Storm Watch for Travelers: A cold front moves toward Tennessee and the Carolinas with a chance of scattered strong to severe storms, including damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes—plus continued dangerous heat in North Carolina. Memphis Live Music: The new Grind City Amp venue is already drawing attention as it looks to build on early momentum. Bonnaroo Travel Alert: A missing Indiana man was last seen in an East Nashville Airbnb during Bonnaroo week, raising concerns for festival-goers planning trips through the area. LGBTQ+ Rights & Pride in Tennessee: A new Tennessee “Nuclear Family Month” resolution is reigniting debate over LGBTQ+ protections and Pride recognition. Road & Commute Planning: TDOT is scheduling multiple Montgomery County-area construction and utility projects starting June 14, with lane closures and overnight work that could affect travel times. Memphis River Views: The Memphis Flyway at Tom Lee Park has opened, offering a fresh scenic look at the Mississippi River downtown.

World Cup Travel Buzz: Japan’s squad arrived in Dallas after training near Nashville, setting up a big Group F opener vs. the Netherlands—another reminder that Tennessee is on the travel map for international sports. Memphis Riverfront Upgrade: The Memphis Flyway at Tom Lee Park officially opened June 12, adding a scenic elevated walk for birdwatching and skyline views, built to impress the millions who pass by I-55. Outdoor & Nature Planning: The Forest Service and Tennessee partners plan aerial treatments to slow spongy moth spread in parts of northeast Tennessee, using a pheromone approach meant to be low risk to people and wildlife. Local Culture & Community: Putnam County Libraries are rolling out “Summerween” (June 18) with costume trick-or-treating and a branch contest—Juneteenth closures June 19 included. Tennessee Travel Costs Check: AAA says many Tennesseans are still planning summer trips despite rising travel costs. Nuclear Family Month Debate: A new Tennessee “Nuclear Family Month” resolution is sparking fresh discussion as it lands alongside Pride Month.

Memphis Riverfront Boost: The Memphis Flyway—an elevated, 220-foot walkway with treetop views of wetlands, the skyline, and the Mississippi—officially opened June 12 at Tom Lee Park, aiming to turn millions of annual visitors into Memphis “advocates.” Road-Trip Perk: USACE is waiving day-use fees at more than 2,800 recreation areas nationwide (including many along the Cumberland River Basin) for June 16, but camping fees aren’t included. TDOT Traffic Alert: Concrete pavement repairs on I-24 East near mile marker 182 will bring temporary lane closures over two upcoming weekends, with full reopening expected each Sunday afternoon. Wildlife Watch: Black bear sightings in Cheatham County (including Kingston Springs and Pegram) have residents on alert as bears search for food. Family Travel Tie-In: Dolly Parton’s new “Cup of Ambition” coffee debuts June 24 at her Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop near Nashville, with opening-day visitors among the first to try it. Local Safety Update: An inmate who escaped Lake County Jail has been captured and is back in custody.

Memphis Riverfront: The Memphis Flyway observation deck at Tom Lee Park opens Friday after nearly two years and about $16 million, offering 218-foot views of the Mississippi, Wolf River Harbor, and downtown—plus it’s free and ADA-accessible. Nashville Construction & Access: Crews have started burying utilities for the East Bank development, with lane closures expected on Shelby Avenue and Woodland Street for months as underground work ramps up. Road-Trip Picks: A new “One-Tank Travel Index” ranks Townsend, TN among top drive-to destinations from Knoxville and Nashville, with other nearby Tennessee favorites like Leiper’s Fork and Cosby. Local Business Pressure: TDOT says it’s increasing oversight to speed up the Elvis Presley Boulevard improvement project after Whitehaven business owners complained about uncertainty and a long timeline. World Cup Watch in Tennessee: Nashville venues are gearing up for 2026 World Cup watch parties, with TailGate Brewery’s Music Row location expecting huge crowds for U.S. games. Dolly Parton Brand Buzz: Dolly Parton’s “Cup of Ambition” coffee launches June 24 at Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop near Nashville.

World Cup Travel & Health Prep: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for international World Cup visitors, but worry travelers may not understand the U.S. healthcare system—so they’re boosting translation help and staffing while focusing on how to navigate costs and care options. Memphis Travel Demand: Memphis Tours reports rising interest in customized Egypt trips, especially flexible, culture-heavy land itineraries (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Giza) plus Nile River cruises. Nashville Zoo vs. Data Center: A proposed data center behind Nashville Zoo has sparked a community backlash over potential impacts on the zoo’s clouded leopard breeding program, with petitions and national attention. Roadside Tourism Drop: Dolly Parton’s new coffee brand, Cup of Ambition, launches June 24 at her Tennessean Travel Stop (Exit 22 off I-65), with plans to roll out to retailers later. Local Sports Facilities: Memphis City Council put a planned $5M AutoZone Park upgrade request on hold, with debate over whether the Redbirds’ needs justify the spending. Wildlife & Nature Tourism: Audubon Zoo released 14 endangered Louisiana pinesnakes into Kisatchie National Forest as part of a long-running recovery effort. Tech in Memphis: Walmart and Wing Drone Delivery announced Memphis is joining their expanding drone delivery network, with eligible orders potentially arriving in about 30 minutes. Family Road Trips: A new study ranks Tennessee No. 1 for family road trips in 2026, highlighting Nashville as a key starting point. Outdoor Adventure: A Cherokee bike group is following the Trail of Tears route, with the ride ending June 19.

Air Travel & Interline Deals: Singapore Airlines and Southwest launched an interline partnership letting travelers book one ticket through SIA’s LAX/SFO/SEA gateways to connect onto Southwest domestically—single booking, automatic baggage transfers, but no loyalty miles/points on the other carrier. Tennessee Sports & Recruiting: Dai Dai Ames, a Chicago guard, transferred to Tennessee for his final season, expected to take on a starting role and add late-clock scoring for Rick Barnes. Music & Nashville Tourism: Lauren Alaina announced a fall headlining tour supporting her new album “Stages,” with the trek wrapping in Nashville on Nov. 12. Chattanooga Attractions: Rock City’s gondola rezoning request was rejected by Lookout Mountain planning commissioners, pushing the project back to the drawing board. Outdoor & Family Fun: A free “Creek to Cove” paddle event drew dozens of kayakers with boats, lunch, and transport provided, highlighting Tennessee RiverLine access to scenic routes. Local Events: “Art by the Falls” drew thousands to Cleveland Metroparks, and Tennessee’s summer travel buzz also includes a wildflower tourism trend with 2026 destination ideas. World Cup Travel Angle: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for World Cup visitors, focusing on translation and helping international patients navigate U.S. healthcare.

World Cup Travel & Entry Rules: President Trump said the U.S. is working to ensure the “right people” enter for the 2026 World Cup after visa denials hit fans, team staff and even a match referee—an issue that could shape who gets through at key U.S. host cities. Nashville Music Tourism: NFL tight end George Kittle and his wife bought a Nashville log cabin for their offseason retreat, adding another celebrity spotlight to the Music City travel scene. Family Travel & Local Giving: Wilson County, with WeGo Star and RJ Corman Railroad Group, delivered a $2,000 donation to St. Jude after sponsoring a marathon train ride—an easy-to-love community tourism tie-in. Road Trip Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest Anderson County premium gas at $4.49 (week ending May 30), with other Tennessee price dips showing drivers may find deals before summer travel ramps up. Tennessee Visitor Safety: A Tennessee tourist faces felony charges after a Florida pool-umbrella dispute left a 72-year-old resort worker injured. Staying Power for Sports Fans: Kansas City hospitals say they’re ready for World Cup international patients, focusing on translation and helping visitors navigate U.S. healthcare costs and choices. Theme Park Tip: Disney World guests are reminded to protect snacks from wildlife that’s getting too comfortable around strollers.

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.