Country music continues to strike a powerful chord for international travellers, with millions of people visiting iconic destinations and attending concerts or festivals around the world.
From the neon lights and live shows of “Honky Tonk Highway” on Lower Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee, to emerging country scenes across Europe, this distinctly American genre has evolved into a global tourism driver.
Major festivals such as the four-day CMA Fest held every June in Nashville and C2C: Country to Country in cities like London, Glasgow and Berlin continue to draw international crowds.
At the same time, country music’s crossover into mainstream pop culture has further increased its appeal.
This evolution has been mirrored by the likes of Taylor Swift, who after being discovered at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville has gone on to become a global phenomenon – and herself a major driver of tourism with her record-breaking Eras tour.
Indeed, Tay-Tay had such huge success on the road that “Swiftonomics” became a trending topic worldwide, not just in entertainment news, but also in business.
A Guinness world record holder for the highest-grossing music tour of all time, the Eras tour saw 149 shows take place at 51 stadiums, 19 countries and five continents between March 2023 and December 2024. With more than 10 million tickets sold, it grossed around $2.07 billion.
Dolly’s SongTeller: A new hotel in ‘Music City’
It’s no surprise that Nashville is known as the “Music City”. In the capital of Tennessee, country music fans can explore attractions such as the legendary Grand Ole Opry and the historic Ryman Auditorium, often called the “Mother Church of Country Music”.
For a deeper dive into the genre’s rich history, visitors can also head to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or the Legends of Country Music Museum.
With so many things to see and do in Nashville, it’s only right that visitors also have a place to stay where they can continue their exploration of Music City. And this summer, there’s a new hotel that will surely hit the right note.
Opening in mid-June 2026 in downtown Nashville, Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel pays tribute to the life and legacy of one of country music’s most beloved and influential stars.
Each room is uniquely themed, from Acoustic Suites featuring her guitars to the Six Sisters Suite honouring her family. Guests can enjoy live performances at venues such as Parton’s Live and Jolene’s, alongside Southern-inspired dining.
The hotel also features “Dolly’s Life of Many Colors” museum, which showcases iconic costumes and rare memorabilia from her chart-topping career.
“Broadway has become such a hub of tourism, this felt like the right time to bring something special to all the wonderful activity in Nashville,” she said last year when announcing the new hotel.
“I’ve always dreamed of being able to create something here in Music City and I know we’ve found the perfect addition to the city I call home.”
‘Nashville Nights’ cruise to launch in 2027
It’s not just in Music City where country fans can enjoy the spirit of Nashville.
Next year, an adults-only “Nashville Nights” country music-themed sailing will be launched by Cruise.co.uk in partnership with Ambassador Cruise Line.
Starting from £489 (€565) per person, the four-night no-fly cruise aboard Ambassador’s 1,400-guest Ambience ship will depart from Tilbury on 25 March 2027 and visit Zeebrugge (Bruges) and Amsterdam before returning back to the UK port.
Onboard, guests can take part in country music quizzes, themed dining, silent discos and fitness sessions, alongside line dancing classes and open mic nights for aspiring singer-songwriters.
Tribute acts celebrating Johnny Cash, Shania Twain, Lainey Wilson and Luke Combs will headline the entertainment programme, supported by live bands including The Charmed and Britt & The Backbeat. Meanwhile, the traditional formal night will be replaced by a “Denim & Diamonds” celebration, adding to the country theme.
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