Chattanooga recognized for becoming North America's first National Park City.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Sept. 22, 2026) – Condé Nast Traveler has named Chattanooga to its “Bright Ideas in Travel” for 2026, recognizing the Scenic City among 25 projects around the world helping shape the future of travel.
Chattanooga was recognized for becoming North America’s first National Park City, a designation earned in April 2025 that celebrates the community’s connection between urban life, access to nature and conservation.
Condé Nast Traveler highlights Chattanooga’s decades-long transformation and the community efforts that have made nature increasingly accessible throughout the city. The feature points to conservation and rewilding efforts, Chattanooga’s biodiversity, and programs that connect residents and visitors with the outdoors, illustrating how the National Park City designation builds on both the city’s natural assets and years of community investment.
“Being recognized by Condé Nast Traveler is exciting for Chattanooga because it reflects something much bigger than a single designation,” said Susan Harris, interim CEO of Chattanooga Tourism Co. “It represents the people who have worked for decades to protect our natural assets, expand access to the outdoors and make nature part of everyday life in Chattanooga. This recognition gives us an opportunity to share that story with travelers around the world.”
National Park City is a global movement focused on making cities greener, healthier, and more connected to nature. Chattanooga became the first city in North America to receive the designation in April 2025, following a community-driven effort involving residents, conservation organizations, businesses, and public agencies.
The Condé Nast Traveler recognition follows other recent national recognition for Chattanooga’s outdoor experiences. Outside Magazine recently named Chattanooga one of the best trail towns in the United States, identifying Chattanooga as the only Southern destination on its list.
National and international recognition helps keep Chattanooga visible to visitors and supports our local economy. In 2025, visitor spending in Hamilton County reached $1.9 billion, a 4% increase from 2024.
Read Condé Nast Traveler’s full Bright Ideas in Travel 2026 and its feature on Chattanooga becoming North America's first National Park City.
About Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Chattanooga Tourism Co. is the official destination marketing organization for Hamilton County, dedicated to sustainably increasing visitation and connecting guests with authentic Chattanooga experiences. The organization strengthens the local economy and enriches the community by establishing Chattanooga as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, sporting events, and leisure travel. Hamilton County welcomes more than 11.5 million visitors annually, who generate an economic impact of $1.9 billion. This visitor spending contributes $193 million in local and state tax revenue, saving each resident household $1,251 in taxes and supporting more than 30,000 jobs. VisitChattanooga.com
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dawn Kimberlin
DawnK@chattanoogatourism.com
Donna Elle Harrison
Vice President of Engagement and Impact
Chattanooga Tourism Co.
Donna@chattanoogatourism.com
