Great
Smoky Mountains resort ranks #4, while Nashville tops list
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (January 2012) – TripAdvisor named Pigeon Forge, Tenn., No. 4 on its
list of the top 15 U.S. destinations “on the rise for 2012.” Pigeon Forge is a
gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and host to more than 10 million
visitors every year.
Tennessee music mecca, Nashville, topped the TripAdvisor list, followed by
Austin, Texas, and Fort Myers, Fla. Pensacola, Fla., was in the fifth spot
behind Pigeon Forge.
“These U.S. destinations have really piqued TripAdvisor travelers’ interest
over the last year, making them great options to consider as thoughts turn to
vacation planning for 2012,” said Karen Drake, senior director of
communications for TripAdvisor.
Administrators at TripAdvisor, which says it is the world’s largest travel
review website, compiled the list. Rankings were based on reviews and searches
done by the site’s users.
In slots six through 10 were Louisville, Ky., Branson, Mo., Scottsdale, Ariz.,
Saint Augustine, Fla., and Charleston, S.C.
In slots 11 through 15 were Albuquerque, N.M., Wildwood, N.J., Asheville, N.C.,
Park City, Utah, and Santa Cruz, Calif.
“This kind of recognition is very exciting because it shows how interesting
Pigeon Forge is to many types of travelers,” said Leon Downey, executive
director of the city’s tourism department.
“One reason consumer interest remains high is how much change happens in Pigeon
Forge. New attractions such as the Titanic Museum Attraction, the Great Smoky
Mountains Lumberjack Feud and the Smoky Mountain Opry Show open frequently, while
other businesses constantly expand. A big expansion in 2012 is Dollywood’s $20
million Wild Eagle roller coaster,” he continued.
Other recent praise for Pigeon Forge:
· A TIME.com feature
cited Pigeon Forge as one of its “9 Most Christmassy Towns in America.”
· Positive consumer
reviews in 2011 led to a Travelers’ Choice Award for the Inn at Christmas Place
from TripAdvisor when the hotel was named one of the Top 25 Hotels in the U.S.
It polled sixth on that list.
· Pigeon Forge itself
was named to the TripAdvisor list of the Top 10 Best Family Destinations, and
the Inn at Christmas Place was named the top-reviewed family-friendly hotel in
the city.
Information about all aspects of visiting Pigeon Forge is available online at
MyPigeonForge.com or by calling
toll-free to 1-800-251-9100.
