Tennessee, USA: Whiskey Tourism Meets Outdoor Adventure as River Queen Voyages and Tennessee Whiskey Tours Create New Experiences for Travelers

The dynamic tourism industry of Nashville, Tennessee, has taken a significant step forward with the acquisition of River Queen Voyages by Chip DeVier, owner of Tennessee Whiskey Tours. This strategic move, finalized in February 2025, marks a shift toward diversified, experience-based tourism, blending heritage-rich whiskey tours with outdoor water activities on the Cumberland River.

While both businesses will continue to operate under their respective branding and identities, the acquisition has created new opportunities for travelers seeking immersive, multi-faceted experiences in Music City. The pairing of whiskey culture and river adventures aligns with the growing demand for experiential tourism, a trend that has been reshaping travel patterns across the United States.

A Vision for Integrated Tourism Experiences

Chip DeVier, who launched Tennessee Whiskey Tours in 2014, has established the company as one of the leading whiskey tourism providers in the region. Through curated tours that explore the craftsmanship and history of Tennessee whiskey, the business has drawn thousands of visitors each year, particularly those interested in heritage tourism, craft distilleries, and locally produced spirits.

With the acquisition of River Queen Voyages, DeVier has sought to expand his portfolio beyond whiskey-related travel, incorporating Nashville’s underutilized water tourism sector. He has emphasized that Nashville’s tourism appeal is built on a blend of history, culture, and outdoor recreation, and this move allows his company to offer visitors a broader range of experiences that go beyond the traditional city tour.

According to DeVier, the synergy between the two businesses lies in their shared focus on fun, engaging, and social experiences. Whiskey tasting tours attract enthusiasts looking to learn about Tennessee’s famous spirit, while river excursions offer adventure seekers and leisure travelers a unique perspective of the city from the Cumberland River.

How This Will Impact Nashville’s Travel Industry

Nashville’s Cumberland River has long been an overlooked asset, despite its potential to serve as a scenic and recreational hub. The integration of River Queen Voyages into a larger tourism network suggests a renewed focus on water-based tourism in the city.

With kayak rentals, party pontoon cruises, and river excursions becoming part of a larger tourism strategy, visitors can now combine land and water experiences in a single itinerary. This reflects a growing consumer preference for customized, immersive travel, where guests seek activities that provide local authenticity, adventure, and education in one package.

This acquisition is expected to have several key effects on Nashville’s travel sector:

Increased Demand for Multi-Experience Tourism – Visitors may now combine whiskey distillery tours with scenic river excursions, leading to longer stays and higher tourist spending.
Diversification of Attractions – Beyond music and nightlife, Nashville’s tourism scene will now highlight the city’s natural waterways, expanding its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and eco-tourists.
Strengthening of Local Tourism Businesses – The integration of two distinct tour experiences under one ownership will likely encourage collaborations with hotels, travel agencies, and event planners, boosting the overall tourism economy.

The Story Behind River Queen Voyages

Founded in 2015 by Annie Klaver, River Queen Voyages has built a strong reputation for making the Cumberland River more accessible to both locals and tourists. Over the past decade, the company has focused on providing safe, engaging, and fun water-based activities, ranging from solo kayak rentals to lively pontoon boat parties.

The business has become a popular choice for visitors who wish to experience Nashville beyond its well-known downtown attractions. With DeVier’s acquisition, there is now potential for even greater exposure and development, especially as Nashville continues to market itself as a destination that blends urban entertainment with natural beauty.

Adventure Meets Heritage: A New Kind of Nashville Tourism

The melding of whiskey culture and outdoor recreation represents a shift in how travelers experience Nashville. Instead of a one-dimensional itinerary, visitors can now embark on a whiskey trail, enjoy a river cruise, and immerse themselves in the city’s rich culture—all in a single trip.

As the travel industry moves toward more diverse and personalized experiences, Nashville’s approach is set to inspire other destinations that seek to merge different tourism sectors into one cohesive offering. The development of the Cumberland River as a tourism asset also signals a larger trend toward utilizing natural landscapes for recreation and adventure-based tourism.

The Broader Impact on Global Tourism Trends

Beyond Nashville, the acquisition highlights a growing trend of businesses merging to offer multi-faceted tourism experiences. Destinations worldwide are seeing:

An increase in tourism partnerships, where companies join forces to provide more immersive, well-rounded packages.
A rise in water-based tourism, with rivers, lakes, and coastal areas being repurposed for adventure tourism, leisure cruises, and eco-tourism initiatives.
The expansion of craft tourism, where elements such as local distilleries, breweries, and artisan industries are woven into travel experiences that go beyond sightseeing.

By integrating two highly engaging, experience-driven activities, this move could influence other cities looking to enhance their tourism appeal by combining heritage tourism with outdoor adventure.

What Travelers Can Expect in the Future

For those planning to visit Nashville in 2025 and beyond, this acquisition means a wider variety of experiences to choose from. Whether visitors are whiskey connoisseurs looking for an educational tasting tour, or adventurers seeking to explore the Cumberland River, the expanded offerings ensure that both interests can be fulfilled.

Some key takeaways for future travelers include:

Seamless Tour Integration – Potential for combo packages featuring whiskey tours, river cruises, and cultural excursions.
Enhanced Outdoor Offerings – More water-based tourism activities, providing alternatives to Nashville’s nightlife-focused tourism model.
Sustainability in Tourism – As outdoor recreation and eco-tourism gain traction, this move aligns with the global demand for responsible, experience-driven travel.

As the tourism landscape evolves, Nashville is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation, proving that destinations can blend history, adventure, and entertainment in new and exciting ways.

For visitors seeking a multi-dimensional experience, the combination of Tennessee Whiskey Tours and River Queen Voyages offers a fresh perspective on what Music City has to offer. Whether sipping whiskey in a historic distillery or paddling along the Cumberland at sunset, this is an experience designed for travelers who crave both adventure and culture in one unforgettable trip.

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