Pigeon Forge's Dollywood has Best Year Yet

Congratulations to Dollywood for a record year in attendance. The Pigeon Forge attraction drew more than 2.5 million visitors in 2007, and you have to think there were several factors that contributed to that, including high gas prices that kept down long-distance traveling, the new rides at the park, and unusually dry weather that meant more rain-free days.

The record attendance was good news for other area attractions and businesses. When people come to Dollywood they do more than just visit the park. They sample other attractions in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. They dine in local restaurants, visit our stores and buy our gasoline.

When Dollywood does well, so do the businesses that make up this tourism-based economy. Dollywood's big year can be traced to several things, but overall the park continues to serve its customers well. People feel comfortable and safe visiting Dollywood, and they like the wholesome atmosphere and family-oriented attractions within the park. They like its emphasis on family and its musical entertainment that stresses gospel, country and rock 'n' roll from the past. They like the layout, the rides, the children's area and the food. Dollywood continues to draw repeat visitors because it is a great way to spend a day or two throughout the year.

Of course Dollywood is not all we have to offer tourists. Ripley's Aquarium, Ober Gatlinburg and our theaters are entertainment venues that are consistently well-received and busy. Great Smoky Mountains National Park lures 9 million visitors a year to its 500,000 acres of wilderness, waterfalls, trails and wildlife. We have thousands of places for people to stay, from hotels to motels to cabins, and we have a variety of eating choices that fit anybody's checkbook.

Information courtesy of The Mountain Press