Motorcoach Companies Helping Communities Devastated by Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene has left widespread destruction, impacting thousands of families and communities along the Atlantic Coast. Now, more than ever, our efforts can make a difference. Several motorcoach companies are stepping up to provide essential support, supplies, and aid to help these communities recover. Join us in this relief effort by donating or volunteering.

How You Can Help

You can get involved in the following ways:

  • Monetary Donations: Financial contributions go directly toward providing essentials like food, water, and shelter for those affected. You can donate directly to local relief organizations.
  • Supply Donations: Essential items like bottled water, canned goods, hygiene products, blankets, and first aid supplies are urgently needed. Find local drop-off points where you can bring these much-needed supplies.
  • Volunteer: Consider volunteering your time to help distribute supplies or assist with rebuilding efforts. Local organizations and motorcoach companies are organizing efforts to transport volunteers and supplies to the affected areas.

 

While Others Turn Away Groups, Pigeon Forge Welcomes Group Travel to the Great Smoky Mountains

  • October 8, 2021
  • 2-min read

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There is a trend right now with many attractions, hotels, restaurants, etc., that once catered to group travelers coming in on a multitude of motorcoaches … they are being told they are not welcomed. In a time when people are wary of groups traveling together, many travel and tourism suppliers are focusing their attention on attracting singles, couples and families to their destinations and telling groups they aren't ready for them just yet. So what is a group to do? Well, not everyone is turning away from catering to groups and Pigeon Forge is one of those places that still embrace motorcoaches filled with excited visitors.

“Group travel—be it motorcoach groups, family reunions or students—contributes significantly to Pigeon Forge tourism, our city’s only industry,” said Mike Gwinn, the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism’s senior sales manager. “Our local businesses, including our many lodging properties, are actively working with group travel operators and planners to secure reservations at competitive rates.”

Pigeon Forge group travel representatives will attend the American Bus Association’s 2022 Marketplace in Grapevine, Texas, Jan. 8-11. The following Pigeon Forge lodging properties have confirmed their participation as well as an ongoing commitment to group travel assistance:

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa*

The Inn at Christmas Place*

The Inn on the River*

Courtyard by Marriott*

EconoLodge Riverside*

LaQuinta Inn & Suites*

Quality Inn*

Riverstone Resort & Spa*

Country Cascades*

Creekstone Inn*

The Ramsey Hotel & Convention Center*

Accommodations by WillowBrook Lodge

Best Western Plaza Inn

Comfort Inn & Suites Dollywood Lane

Country Inn & Suites

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham

Hampton Inn & Suites on the Parkway

Hampton Inn Pigeon Forge & Hilton Garden Inn

Holiday Inn Express Pigeon Forge

Home 2 Suites

Tru by Hilton

Margaritaville Island Hotel

Park Grove Inn

Quality Inn & Suites Dollywood Lane

Ramada Pigeon Forge North

*ABA members

Pigeon Forge offers more than 80 different attractions for travelers to enjoy. The destination is located just six miles from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the U.S.  For more information or assistance booking group travel, please contact Gwinn at 1-800-285-7557 or mike.gwinn@cityofpigeonforge.com.

If you are a destinations that understands the impact of motorcoach group travel and you want them to know that you will roll out the red carpet to welcome them, email Melanie Hinton at mhinton@buses.org so ABA can share your story too!

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