People are welcome to enjoy the country’s most-visited national park during the federal government shutdown – for the most part. But with limited facilities and services at Great Smoky Mountains National Park right now, local tourism leaders are balancing optimism with concern as the region enters its busiest time of year.
“You couldn’t almost pick a worst time to shut down the national park,” Pigeon Forge tourism department director Leon Downey told Knox News. “October is a critical time for all of our businesses in the surrounding communities.”
Nearly two million people visit the Smokies during October, according to Visit My Smokies, drawn by the fall colors and seasonal attractions and events.
How is tourism affected by the federal government shutdown?
People already are asking questions about the shutdown as they arrive in town or make plans, but Downey doesn't have all the answers.
“Right now, we're just sort of in the limbo,” Downey said. “We have to have correct information from the National Park Service in order to make sure that our guests are well aware.”
A collection of state and local government bodies are working together to come up with a plan to fully reopen Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the federal government shutdown. Details of the plan had not been announced as of Oct. 2.
Sevier, Blount and Cocke counties, the cities of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Pittman Center, along with the state of Tennessee, North Carolina, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are among the entities developing the plan.
Despite the uncertainty, the region’s tourism foundation is expected to hold – for now.
“We are not projecting a loss,” commissioner Mark Ezell of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development told Knox News in a written statement Oct. 2. “Thanks to local leadership, we’re confident visitors will still have the experience they’re planning for."
So far, the impact has been minimal in Gatlinburg, where the park’s entrances are closely tied to the popular downtown area full of shops, restaurants and attractions.
“You know, I got to be honest, I think if you showed up in the area and you were completely oblivious of what was happening, you wouldn't know the difference,” said Chad Netherland, president of the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“Town is full today,” Netherland added. “The parking lots are full, the stores are full.” He noted hotels have not reported cancellations based on the shutdown.
Having Newfound Gap Road/U.S. 441, a major federal highway through the park, remain open is a big factor in keeping tourism going in the area. It was shut down recently fo repairrs after a creek washed out part of the road.
“If 441 was closed, we'd be having a drastically different conversation,” Netherland said.
What should people know about visiting the Smokies amid the shutdown?
Local governments are stepping in to ensure the national park returns to being fully open because it is so vital to the regional economy. Officials and leaders want visitors to know that people are welcome, especially amid the federal shutdown.
“Our message to visitors is simple. Don’t change your plans,” Ezell said. “The Smokies are open, and this is one of the best times of year to experience them.”
As for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, most roads and trails are open. Several visitor centers will remain open, such as Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Kuwohi Visitor Center. Restrooms will be open and trash collection will continue during the shutdown, too.
However, a few areas are closed, and some services are not available.
What is closed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
How vital is Sevier County tourism to Tennessee?
Sevier County ranks third in visitor spending among all 95 Tennessee counties, according to Tourism Economics. Visitors spent $3.9 billion in the county last year.
More than 12 million visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park last year, generating $2.04 billion in visitor spending and $2.86 billion in total economic output, according to a recent National Park Service report. Ninety-five percent of that spending came from nonlocal visitors, with 76% spent on the Tennessee side of the mountains.
Knox News reporter Tyler Whetstone contributed to this report.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email [email protected].
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