GATLINBURG, Tenn. — People traveling to East Tennessee likely stayed in the Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge area, according to AirDNA.
The company tracks vacation rentals and analyzes data about occupancy rates, pricing and other kinds of data points. They found that in April 2023, there were just over 2,000 available short-term rental units in Knoxville. The properties included on the map had at least a day booked or available during the month.
In the broader Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area, they found there were almost 17,000 rental units. The company also said more than half of these units were cabins.
Airbnb, a popular short-term rental company, said they believed more people went to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for Memorial Day because of the weather and the number of available summer activities.
"I just can't imagine a better place to be right here, right now, than in East Tennessee. I mean, the weather's perfect. You're up in the mountains, grills everywhere. I mean, it's just explosive popularity," said Ben Breit, a spokesperson for Airbnb.
They expect to see another spike in short-term rentals during football season in East Tennessee.