by Hunter Patterson | Feb 15, 2012 | News Slider
While hospitality is one of the Volunteer State’s most notable traits, Colin Reed says Tennessee’s tourism industry has more opportunity than ever to grow. And his audience had a vested interest in increasing tourism. The Nashville Business Breakfast, which was held at Lipscomb University and co-sponsored by the Nashville Business Journal, was attended by professionals in fields from media to politics and everywhere in between. Reed, the CEO of Gaylord Entertainment, said that though Tennessee’s tourism industry is valued at over $14 billion, the state has never attracted international tourists. While Mayor Karl Dean highlighted the uniqueness of the city’s airport, with country music artists welcoming you to Nashville, Reed said that international travelers couldn’t get directly into the city. Currently, those traveling from abroad must have a very hectic itinerary. Reed compared the local airport, BNA, to the airport in Denver, where Gaylord is building a resort and convention center. On an average day, Denver has 15 international flights. Nashville only has two – Cancun during the spring and summer and year-round flights to Toronto Reed also announced to the crowd that the 2011 year was the most successful one in the Opryland Hotel’s history. The hotel made $291.8 million last year, just one year after the flood that destroyed much of the property around the hotel. Gaylord’s plan to “attract and expand leisure based business” began earlier this year when the company announced the construction of a new theme park. Reed says the park is expected to get 500,000 visitors annually. By the third year, it is expected to generate an output of $66 million. Reed also said...
by Cory Woodroof | Jan 30, 2012 | News Slider
If you talk to any longtime Nashvillian, the word “Opryland” holds a feeling of earnest admiration. In May 1972, Opryland USA opened its doors to the public, two years ahead of the legendary Grand Ole Opry House. For about twenty five years, the “Home for American Music” entertained guests with its carnival-like attractions, live music shows, and thrilling roller-coasters until 1997. That year, the park closed a variety of different factors. Now, those who have longed for an amusement park to take the place of the revered Opryland might just get their wish. Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Company, in collaboration with Gaylord Entertainment Company, is bringing a water/snow themed park to Nashville. The new theme park will host a variety of water-oriented attractions in the summertime and feature authentic snow for recreational enjoyment in the winter. Parton, via press release, expressed enthusiasm towards the announcement. “I’m so excited about this opportunity,” Dolly Parton said. “I am confident that partnering my Dollywood Company with a great company like Gaylord will create something truly special. We’re all working on new types of entertainment to do in the daytime and nighttime for the whole family so we bring new folks to the area year round.” The 50 million dollar project will break ground sometime between the end of this year and the beginning of 2013 with a planned opening of summer 2014. The new park is expected to employ 450 workers. The first-of-its-kind attraction, soon to be located closely to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, is the first anchor in an overall plan that could involve future development. Tennessee governor Bill Haslam gave insight...
