What differentiates Memphis from other Southern destinations, and how would you describe its identity?
The South is known for culture, music, and food but Memphis is unique because it has globally recognised calling cards in both music and food, alongside deep culture and history. Barbecue is a major part of our identity, but Memphis also has Michelin-recognised restaurants, including Bib Gourmand mentions, which is still relatively new for the American South.
Memphis also sits at the centre of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, and the National Civil Rights Museum is a cornerstone of that story. The museum is opening a new expansion and exhibition space in spring, likely around April or May, and there is a lot of momentum there.
Music is another defining factor. Memphis isn’t just one genre; it’s blues, soul, rock and roll and increasingly hip hop, R&B, and rap. The music scene is robust and constantly evolving, with a strong historical legacy alongside a modern sound.
Younger travellers are discovering how Memphis music has influenced global hits, through sampling and recording studios still active today. Memphis is a music city of the past, present, and future, which really sets it apart.
Apparently, Uptown Funk, the song by Mark Ronson, was scientifically ranked as the best song ever written. Any thoughts on that?
It really is one of those earworms you can’t escape. Wherever you are in the world, once you hear it, you feel the beat and know the words. It’s one of those universally recognisable songs, and the fact that it was recorded in Memphis is something we’re very proud of.
Beyond the headline attractions, are there lesser-known gems you’d recommend, and what does the city offer outside of peak season?
Memphis offers far more than the “A-side hits” of blues, Elvis and barbecue. If you flip the record to the B-side, there’s a vibrant arts and culture scene, a dynamic live music offering, and neighbourhoods full of character.
We’re opening a new Memphis art museum in December, which will be a major cultural addition. While the Peabody Hotel is iconic, there’s also a growing collection of boutique hotels. In the South Main Arts District alone, there’s Central Station Hotel, a Curio Collection by Hilton property still served by Amtrak, and the Arrive Hotel, a small boutique hotel with an excellent food and beverage scene.
In terms of seasonality, Memphis welcomes around a million visitors between March and October. Spring and autumn are shoulder seasons with great weather, but even winter is comfortable compared to the Northeast. You can still explore the city, enjoy live music, and even catch a Memphis Grizzlies basketball game just off Beale Street at FedExForum.
With lots of development ahead, what are you personally most excited about?
The Memphis Art Museum is what excites me most. An entire city block of former brutalist architecture, including a fire station and parking garage, is being reimagined into a beautiful new museum. It houses the largest private art collection in Tennessee, much of which has never been displayed.
The museum is focused on telling new visual stories and highlighting narratives that are often underrepresented in traditional American museums, with a strong emphasis on diverse storytelling through art. It’s a very meaningful project for the city.
Could you talk a bit about new flight routes and access from the UK?
Most of the new routes were covered at a state level, but Memphis is very accessible via one-stop connections. Travellers from the UK can connect through major gateways such as Nashville, Atlanta, Chicago, or Dallas.
Many European visitors combine Memphis with other cities, often linking Chicago or Atlanta with Memphis, Nashville and New Orleans. These cities work very well together, whether the itinerary is music-focused, food-led or centred on history and culture. Memphis fits naturally into a wide range of tour operator programmes and multi-city itineraries.
Accessibility is increasingly important for travellers. How does Memphis approach this?
Accessibility is a major focus. While historic properties can present challenges, accommodations are in place. For example, at Graceland, structural changes aren’t always possible, but visitors are supported through touch exhibits for visually impaired guests, video experiences, and alternative access for wheelchair users.
The overall message in Memphis is one of genuine welcome. We often say “all y’all are welcome,” and that really is an authentic reflection of how the city approaches inclusivity.
Are there any common misconceptions about Memphis you’d like to address?
A big misconception is that Memphis is a one- or two-night destination, when in reality it’s a three- or four-night city. This is common with secondary cities, especially for first-time visitors to the US.
A good comparison is Liverpool, which is a sister city to Memphis. People might initially associate it with The Beatles, just as Memphis is associated with Elvis, but once you arrive, there’s far more to explore. Music lovers, in particular, find plenty to do beyond the headline attractions.
Can you tell us more about that connection between Memphis and Liverpool?
The connection goes beyond Elvis and The Beatles. If you visit Matthew Street in Liverpool, there’s a plaque commemorating the sister city relationship. Memphis installed its plaque in Liverpool just before Covid in 2019, and we’re planning to install Liverpool’s plaque on Beale Street during Elvis Week in August.
There have also been collaborations between Graceland and The Beatles Story Museum, including an exhibition exploring how Elvis influenced The Beatles. It was a fantastic joint project that really highlighted the shared musical heritage of both cities.
Finally, is there anything coming up that travel agents should be excited about?
Our team is very active in the market. Lisa Catron, our Senior Director of Global Travel Trade, is particularly well known in the industry and incredibly memorable in training sessions. When you’re not a top-tier gateway city, standing out matters, and Lisa does that brilliantly.
In terms of competitions, fan trips, and trade initiatives, rest assured, we’re consistently engaging with the trade and looking for ways to keep Memphis front of mind for agents.
