‘Peaceful side’ of the Smokies drives growth of Blount County tourism

‘Peaceful side’ of the Smokies drives growth of Blount County tourism

TOWNSEND, Tenn. (WATE) — Blount County saw a six percent increase in visitor spending in 2024. According to a report from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, tourists generated nearly $611 million last year. Jeff Muir with the Blount Partnership said more visitors are entering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park through the Townsend side. "Townsend is one of the entrances to the park. People are coming to that a lot. It's up ove…