AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION NAMES ROCK CITY’S ENCHANTED GARDEN OF LIGHTS AMONG NORTH AMERICA'S 100 BEST EVENTS
11-19-2009
Event is a Ticket to Fun and to Critical Group Tourism Dollars
CHATTANOOGA, TN - The American Bus Association (ABA) recently announced that Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights to be held November 20, 2009 – January 2, 2010 has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2010 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 The Enchanted Garden of Lights offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, said ABA.
“We are honored by the recognition of the Enchanted Garden of Lights as a TOP 100 EVENT for the ABA and the general tourism industry. We love to deliver a high quality, unique experience to tour groups from across the nation. We hope you will come see the beauty of the Enchanted Garden of Lights!” said Andrew Kean, President of See Rock City, Inc.
With the release of the American Bus Association's 2010 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates 28 years of the Top 100 Events. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.
"The attractiveness of The Enchanted Garden of Lights as a don't-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Rock City Gardens," said Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS, ABA's president and CEO. "The real news here is that Rock City Gardens 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 Rock City an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners."
“Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights is one of our key holiday events in Chattanooga and it draws visitors back annually. It’s a great tribute for this event to be chosen as one of the top 100 events,” said Bob Doak, President & CEO of the Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The Motorcoach industry plays an important role in our economic success and we hope to continue to welcome these travelers for years to come!”
According to studies recently completed by researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from US $5,000 to more than US $13,000 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 The Enchanted Garden of Lights 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 2010 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights from among hundreds of U.S. and Canadian events nominated by state and provincial tourism offices and convention 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.
Rock City is one of the south’s most popular natural attractions. Known for its unique geological and botanical wonders, the enchanted, 4,100-foot walking trail is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, a 140-foot waterfall that cascades down Lookout Mountain and the Swing-Along Bridge that spans nearly 200 feet.
Rock City Gardens is committed to continuing its efforts of partnering with community organizations and maintaining a culture of excellence, such as with the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) for this Christmas season. A portion of ticket proceeds from the Enchanted Garden of Lights benefits the RMH Charities. Visit www.seerockcity.com for more info.
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