BOHAN Tourism Client Posts Strong Start for 2012 - Gross Receipts Up 15 Percent Through May

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Gross receipts in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., a BOHAN tourism client since 1990, were up 15 percent in the first five months of 2012.

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Spending citywide totaled $292 million January-May 2012 compared to $252 million in 2011.

The agency's program to start 2012 included an 18-city TV campaign; media relations, particularly supporting city-sponsored special events in January and February; and production of a half-hour special for the Great American Country cable TV network.

That special, "Operation Pigeon Forge: A Family's Story," highlights Pigeon Forge's family vacation appeal by focusing on a military family facing the sixth deployment of the family's husband and father. It premieres July 12 (9:30 p.m. Eastern) and has multiple airings later in the month.

"This is a great start for 2012, and solid proof that Pigeon Forge's tourism has grown into a 12-month industry," said David Bohan, agency chairman and CEO.

Pigeon Forge was a seasonal destination when BOHAN began promoting the Great Smoky Mountains resort town in 1990. It was the agency's first account and now is its oldest.

Activity in January and February 2012 included business generated by two special events – Wilderness Wildlife Week and Saddle Up. Both are part of Pigeon Forge Winterfest, the travel season BOHAN helped inspire to create visitation in historically slow winter months.

"Pigeon Forge's strong start for 2012 is especially notable considering the great times Gulf Coast states are experiencing with their huge marketing boosts from BP oil spill compensation money," Bohan said.

Virtually all business in Pigeon Forge is directly related to the tourism industry, so the city's measurement of gross receipts is a valid indicator of the city's vitality.

Gross revenues for businesses in the amusements category – ones such as Dollywood, the Titanic Museum Attraction and WonderWorks – were up 25 percent in the first five months of 2012.

Lodging receipts were up 17 percent for the period.

Pigeon Forge's neighbor, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, recorded 13.5 percent more visitation January-May. Its 9 million visits per year make it the most visited of all national parks.

BOHAN, established in 1990 and based in Nashville, Tenn., is a full-service advertising and marketing agency. It has major clients in tourism, healthcare and consumer goods. Agency information is online at BohanIdeas.com.

CONTACT: Tom Adkinson, APR, +1-615-341-8796, [email protected]

SOURCE BOHAN Advertising