<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF GAYLORD ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1999
<CASH>                                          18,696
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   90,763
<ALLOWANCES>                                     7,474
<INVENTORY>                                     28,527
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               164,036
<PP&E>                                         611,582
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,732,384
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          427,911
<BONDS>                                        310,123
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           333
<OTHER-SE>                                     960,826
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,732,384
<SALES>                                        510,788
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               510,788
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  529,014
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              16,101
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                561,522
<INCOME-TAX>                                   211,730
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            349,792
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   349,792
<EPS-BASIC>                                      10.63
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    10.53