SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — Usually, people would be preparing to get away from their work and travel all over the world as the weather warms. However, many are staying home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yet, that hasn't stopped people from dreaming about traveling. Airbnb released a list of places users placed on their wishlists the most. Sevierville, Tennessee, appeared on it alongside top travel destinations like Los Angeles and Atlanta.
Officials said that most people who had Sevierville at the top of their wanderlust list wanted to see its unique landscapes and to be surrounded by the great outdoors. The town also offers several unique experiences travelers can try, once they have the chance to visit the city.
A moonshine history tour opened recently, taking visitors through the impact that moonshine played in the development of the history of Appalachia. Nearby Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg leaders both said that they expect the upcoming spring break to bring more travelers.
The Executive Director for the Pigeon Forge Tourism Department, Leon Downey, said that travel inquiries are up 20% this year.
Many businesses in the area are taking safety precautions like requiring masks and limiting capacity, officials said.