Governor Haslam said that tourism was the second largest
industry for the state; it generated annual revenues of more a billion dollars
for the state in taxes and fee. Tourism also employs more than 170,000 state residents.
He added, "This project will be a
welcome addition to the wide variety of attractions and destinations across our
great state”. He applauded the collaboration and spirit that has led to the
announcement.
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean said that Nashville is a travel
destination unlike any other in the country and this unique leisure attraction will
augment Nashville’s booming hospitality industry. Dean added, “The addition of this family
entertainment complex near Opryland adds a critical missing piece to our
tourist offerings."
The anchor of this unique entertainment park will be the
water and snow park which is expected to attract 500,000 attendees the first
year of opening. The park will provide unique water activities during Nashville’s
hot summers and snow play during winter. A Significant number of these visitors
to this park are expected to come from out of Tennessee, thus adding
substantial revenues to tourism income for both the state of Tennessee and city
of Nashville.
The Dollywood company which has prior experience in operating a
water park – the Dollywood's Splash Country in the Smoky Mountains of East
Tennessee – will be the operating partner. In addition to the Dollywood’s
Splash Country, the Dollywood Company also manages Dollywood and, a dinner
theatre attraction, Dixie Stampede. These attractions which bring 4 million
visitors to Smoky mountains have won several coveted awards such as
"world's best theme park" and "America's most beautiful water
park." Dollywood plans to outsource to 450 full- and part- time employees.
This proposed family attraction adds to Gaylord's leisured related
revenues and drive income through its top-notch entertainment attractions all
year round. It will not only be a destination for Gaylord’s hotel guests but
also for the local community in Nashville.
