Not exactly chicken feed
The tiny city of Pigeon Force, Tennessee, last summer had one month when they matched the entire yearly tourism business during 1984. Said Anne Garrison Ross, senior sales manager:
“A great many of the telephone and mail requests we receive in the sales office are from travel agents who are working on specific leisure packages for clients.”
The small city of 5,000 had almost $100 million in gross receipts for the month of July, partly in response to a tourism advertising campaign.
The tourism business there shows increasing numbers every month, according to Ms Ross.
Qualifying agents will find various incentives. For example, they can receive VIP guest cards that allow them and up to three additional guests complimentary admission to many of the area’s attractions.
“A significant portion of our marketing and advertising budget is dedicated specifically to the tour and travel market,” said Ms Ross.
She added:
“We can provide planners and escorts with maps, timed itineraries, step-on guide referrals, welcome bags for group members, and a small gift for drivers and escorts.”
Pigeon Forge yearly has about 11 million visitors. Tourism is its only real industry, according to tourism officials.
It is a gateway to America’s most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Report by David Wilkening
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