| |
Tennessee Fall Homecoming named Top 100 Event in North America
NORRIS, TN – The Museum of Appalachia’s 37th Tennessee Fall Homecoming which will be held October 7-9, 2016 has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2016 by the American Bus Association (ABA). The Top 100 list is published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine. Inclusion in the publication indicates that the Homecoming offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, according to ABA. “These are the best of the best group events and offer broad appeal, including international audiences.”
ABA’s 2016 Top 100 Events in North America is one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators, and the general public. The list and its members get worldwide publicity through television, radio, and print media.
“The attractiveness of the Tennessee Fall Homecoming as a don’t-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for the Museum of Appalachia,” said Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS, ABA’s president and CEO. “The real news here is that the Homecoming has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and economy. The honor gives the Museum of Appalachia an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners.”
According to studies completed by researchers at Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave up to $25,000 in a local destination’s economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.
“Tour groups spend more and stay longer,” Pantuso said. “That’s why the Tennessee Fall Homecoming 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.”
The Museum’s Tennessee Fall Homecoming was chosen from hundreds of event nominations submitted by ABA members. Judges considered the event’s broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches, and skill at handling large groups, as well as a variety of other criteria. The Top 100 Events list is available online at www.buses.org/Top100.
Appalachia’s Tennessee Fall Homecoming is one of the nation’s largest and most authentic music and folk festivals. The event features nationally acclaimed musicians that perform on unique outdoor stages. Lonesome River Band, Russell Moore & IIIrd Time Out, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and The Grascals are just a few of the award-winning musicians that will be performing throughout the weekend.
Guests will also enjoy traditional Appalachian dancing, authentic artisans demonstrating and selling their crafts; old-time mountain demonstrations such as sorghum and lye soap making, basket weaving, blacksmithing, saw milling, sassafras tea making, and more; touring the historic Pioneer Village; and sampling a selection of fine Southern fare. Student Heritage Day kicks off the festival on October 6th with hands-on educational activities for today’s youth.
Published April 24, 2016 |
