WebmasterTim
04-06-2007, 09:35 AM
Parks and resorts catering to families pleases tourism officials
Area tourism officials are pleased at the prospect of additional kid-friendly activities making their way to the county.
With the growing appeal of water parks, the expansion and construction of several area resorts to include indoor and outdoor parks can only be considered a positive, according to Amanda Maples Mann of the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce.
"I think it is going to add so much for families who are coming because it will offer them something to do at their hotels," Mann said. "It just makes for a different lodging experience."
Mann thought back to her own childhood and how delighted a hotel pool made her.
"As a kid, I know that I'd scope out the pool at the hotel first thing to see how exciting our trip was going to be," she said. "This is going to add a lot to Sevierville as a city. We are thrilled to see the opening of these water park resorts."
Splash Country in Pigeon Forge has drawn massive numbers of visitors since its opening in 2001. In that year, it was honored as the Best New Water Park.
Its appeal hasn't lessened.
"Splash Country is among the top 20 attractions in Tennessee," Kay Powell, Pigeon Forge assistant director of tourism, said. "We're very excited about the new aspects of the park that they are opening up this year.
"The thing that interested me was the addition of the poolside cabanas where people can enjoy themselves and relax. I've seen those in other locations, so it was great to see something like that opening up in our area."
This year will also welcome the addition of the Water Resorts along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. The series of condos will feature an extensive water park for its guests.
"Because that is a new concept, it will entice people to come to the area," Powell said. "It is of interest when a park opens that allows guests to enjoy the water year-round - even in the off-season. It can only benefit the city."
Area tourism officials are pleased at the prospect of additional kid-friendly activities making their way to the county.
With the growing appeal of water parks, the expansion and construction of several area resorts to include indoor and outdoor parks can only be considered a positive, according to Amanda Maples Mann of the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce.
"I think it is going to add so much for families who are coming because it will offer them something to do at their hotels," Mann said. "It just makes for a different lodging experience."
Mann thought back to her own childhood and how delighted a hotel pool made her.
"As a kid, I know that I'd scope out the pool at the hotel first thing to see how exciting our trip was going to be," she said. "This is going to add a lot to Sevierville as a city. We are thrilled to see the opening of these water park resorts."
Splash Country in Pigeon Forge has drawn massive numbers of visitors since its opening in 2001. In that year, it was honored as the Best New Water Park.
Its appeal hasn't lessened.
"Splash Country is among the top 20 attractions in Tennessee," Kay Powell, Pigeon Forge assistant director of tourism, said. "We're very excited about the new aspects of the park that they are opening up this year.
"The thing that interested me was the addition of the poolside cabanas where people can enjoy themselves and relax. I've seen those in other locations, so it was great to see something like that opening up in our area."
This year will also welcome the addition of the Water Resorts along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. The series of condos will feature an extensive water park for its guests.
"Because that is a new concept, it will entice people to come to the area," Powell said. "It is of interest when a park opens that allows guests to enjoy the water year-round - even in the off-season. It can only benefit the city."