Winterfest named one of Best

Event is a ticket to fun and to critical group tourism dollars WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Bus Association (ABA) announced today that Pigeon Forge Winterfest been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2006 by an elite tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that Pigeon Forge Winterfest offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, said ABA. “The attractiveness of Winterfest as a don’t-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Pigeon Forge,” said Peter J. Pantuso, ABA’s president and CEO. “The real news here is that Pigeon Forge Winterfest has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives Pigeon Forge an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners.” According to a study recently completed by researchers at The George Washington University, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from $5,000 to more than $11,000 in a local destination’s economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes. “Simply put,” said Pantuso, “motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer. That’s why Pigeon Forge Winterfest is truly a local economic asset. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract motorcoach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay.” ABA’s 2006 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected Pigeon Forge Winterfest from among hundreds of U.S. and Canadian events nominated by state and provincial tourism offices and visitors bureaus. Judges considered the event’s broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.The Top 100 Events list is available online at www.buses.org/top_100_events/. More information about Pigeon Forge Winterfest is available at www.mypigeonforge.com or 1-800-WINTERFEST.