Courtesy Branson CVB
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
A town of natural beauty beckons religious groups looking for a meeting place.
“Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is rich in religious and spiritual culture and the site of Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens, one of the Southeast’s top faith-based museums,” said Karen Robertson, director of sales for the Gatlinburg, Tenn., Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Christ in the Smokies’ lifelike scenes tell the story of Christ, through life-size figures, dramatic lighting, music and special effects.
“Our community is family friendly,” Robertson said. “We’re a walkable destination with a host of area attractions and restaurants, all within five blocks of our convention center, where the majority of conferences are hosted.”
The Great Smoky Mountains rise on three sides of the small town, giving Gatlinburg an air of peace and tranquility that appeals to attendees of religious meetings. “We’re cradled in the arms of Mother Nature,” she said.
Gatlinburg is compact and walkable, and about two-thirds of the city’s 12,000 guest rooms are within a few blocks of the center.
Groups can also book cabins, villas and condos on the mountain ridges. “We have a variety of accommodations that fit most needs. Many of our religious-event attendees come back for family vacations,” said Robertson.
The CVB recommends a little give-and-take in the schedules of faith-based groups that meet in Gatlinburg. The city is extremely busy September to January with religious conferences. Summers are packed with leisure travelers. Flexibility and booking early are suggested.
800-588-1817
www.gatlinburg.com
Branson, Missouri
The Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau also hosts several faith-based trade shows for meeting planners each year, said Deborah Cohen, director of meeting and convention sales.
“We do a lot with that particular market because Branson is so wholesome and friendly, and we have such good rates here. A lot of what Branson is about appeals to just that market.”
Branson’s entertainment theaters make it popular with religious groups.
“The religious groups like our shows because they are wholesome, and the jokes are family friendly,” Cohen said.
Branson’s 17,000 hotel rooms come in many price ranges. Meeting spaces include corporate hotels, rustic lodges, resorts on the lake and cabins. “Some of the theaters also serve as venues for religious gatherings because they are already set up to handle crowds and performances and can be modified to fit your needs,” Cowen said.
“Branson is perfect for the religious market. There are so many things about us that fit well, and we certainly have room for many more people.”
800-296-0463
www.explorebranson.com
