TOWNSEND, Tenn. (WATE) — Tourism is down nationwide and America is on track to lose $12.5 billion of international travel spending this year, according to a World Travel and Tourism Council study. Tourism groups in East Tennessee said they are beginning to feel the change.

However, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development commissioner Mark Ezell said Tennessee's tourism has grown nearly 20% more than the national average in the last six years.

“We’re already up 35% over the last six years,” Ezell said. “The national average is only 16%, so this region has had great growth. Yes, travel is flat right now and we're seeing that nationwide, but Tennessee's been beating that trend. ”

According to the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, CEO Chad Netherland said tourism numbers could

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