PIGEON FORGE, TN (courtesy of WVLT / WOKI) – Sevier County’s multi-billion dollar economy took a hit in the month of March as spring break travel got underway.
Visitor spending was down accounting for a $20B loss in spending and tourism leaders said the economy was to blame.
The economic numbers reveal that visitors spent not as much money this March as they spent last March. In fact, spending was down about 10%.
Those fewer cars you’ve noticed on the park and in parking lots are the same that’s showing up in cash registers.
“People are defaulting on their car loans right now. It’s not a good time in the economy right now,” said Pigeon Forge Tourism Director Leon Downey.
Pigeon Forge year to date is down 3% in gross revenues with every category down from amusements to hotels and restaurants.
The director of tourism said it’s the economy, but research shows people will still travel this summer, but will be more diligent on what they spend.
“I’m optimistic we’ll be fine at the end of the year. But right now, people are just, there’s so much bad news out there about the economy and inflation. That’s one of the other things. It costs them more to live. Every day. Credit card debt is through ceiling,” he added.
Downey said that the return visitor always looks forward to what’s new in Sevier County.
He said a driving force behind the nearly $4 billion economy is something new, like at the Island in Pigeon Forge bringing dinosaurs to life this summer.
“Excited about May 21 when we get an opportunity for everybody to explore the roar here at the island. So, Jurassic Summer at the Island kicks off May 21 and we’re so excited to share it with everybody,” said David Wear, with The Island in Pigeon Forge.
Downey said visitors may come and dine in, instead of out, and they may only stay three days instead of five.
Looking ahead to the summer travel season which typically brings the most visitors.
“It’s an a-la-cart that we have here. You can spend as much or as little as you want to, and we’re always promoting ways to save money here, free things to see and do, to give people. The other thing is, because the variety of attractions here, it’s like we talked about all the new things, people expect there to be new things. So that’s they’ll always pay to do something new,” said Downey.
Another factor that goes into travel during the month of March is when Easter falls. This year, Ester falling later, rather than earlier.
Downey said last year March was inflated because spring breaks and where Easter fell closer together.
