90: Recovery in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with Leon Downey

Leon Downey, Executive Director at Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, joins the Destination Marketing Podcast to talk about how his destination has been uniquely affected by the recent decline in the tourism industry. As one of the cities closest to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge relies on tourism as a major piece of their economic stability. Listen and learn how they have navigated the challenges presented to them, as well as what they are planning for the months to come.  "I would encourage destinations to do as much research as they possibly can and find a way to ask their guests what's important to them. It doesn't matter what I think, it doesn't matter what they think, it matters what that mom from Cincinnati thinks. Does she feel safe in coming here?" -Leon Downy on the importance of surveying your target audience Follow the Destination Marketing Podcast on social media: Instagram Twitter YouTube TikTok If you’re enjoying the show, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! Subscribe to our newsletter! The Destination Marketing Podcast is a part of the Destination Marketing Podcast Network. It is hosted by Adam Stoker and produced by Relic. If you are interested in any of Relic’s services,  please email [email protected] or visit www.relicagency.com.  To learn more about the Destination Marketing Podcast Network and to listen to our other shows, please visit www.thedmpn.com. Email [email protected] with any inquiries regarding the network.