GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) — The popular tourist destination of Gatlinburg in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains has formed a tourism development authority and is combining marketing functions of the city and the chamber of commerce into a new Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The city announced Thursday that the combined entity began doing business on July 1. The board of directors will be made up from members of the city tourism advisory board and the chamber board of directors, along with other city officials.
The bureau will market and sell the city as a destination for conventions, operate the welcome centers and manage city events. The bureau will also be responsible for producing a vacation guide and operating the Gatlinburg.com website.
