Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Anakeesta Adventure Park experienced unprecedented record-breaking attendance throughout the past 7 months including the month of December 2020 where visitor numbers increased by more than 50% over 2019. The average overall attendance for 2020 was up over 10% over 2019, a strong finish to a challenging year for many tourism based businesses.
Visitors flooded resorts and national parks this past year as the great outdoors offer a safer haven for those looking for scenic and recreational refuge with family and friends.
With the anticipated increase in visitor numbers, operators at Anakeesta prepared to bolster their guest communications capabilities. By partnering with Alpine Media this past Summer, Anakeesta now provides real time, relevant information and updates per large, highly visible outdoor TV displays. The displays run an information loop featuring open and closed attractions and activities in addition to pricing and ongoing special events. The staff is currently using the mobile app to communicate to the public and is taking advantage of push notifications and emergency alerts.
“Since reopening in May we have experienced unprecedented attendance in the park,” stated Michele Canney, Anakeesta’s VP of sales and Marketing. “This, along with our recent 6.5 million dollar expansion and a strong investment in pr/marketing efforts has really set Anakeesta on a path to success. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us!”
In my recent conversation with Michele last week, she answered a few specifics about the Alpine Media Platform which they have now had in use since their opening this Summer.
What content you as operators are most excited about and what your guests seem to be most interested in?
- Sharing up-to-date, accurate information about what rides and attractions are open is key for guest communication/satisfaction.
- Beyond sharing accurate information the displays help entertain guests as they queue making their wait times more relaxing.
How is this digital information helping your guests and improving operational efficiency?
- Guests are making purchasing decisions before entering the park based on accurate details on the rides/attractions that are open
- EMERGENCY ALERTS have been a great way to communicate critical information to our on-site guests.
- Mobile MESSAGING will provide a strong marketing tool in 2021 to onsite AND off site guests
Anakeesta released the app to the public in December of 2020 and will be adding additional TV displays to increase accessibility for the growing number of resort guests.
To learn how your resort can benefit from the Alpine Media Platform, contact Fred Peyerl at: FPeyerl@alpinemedia.com.
Alpine Media Technology created the All Mountain Platform (AMP), the premium guest communication system for adventure parks, ski resorts and ski towns world-wide. With a centralized, web-based Command Center, resort operators can deliver real-time, relevant content via digital screens across the entire resort. From the lodges, chairlifts and gondolas, as well as via mobile app, skiers and riders have access to the information they need to maximize their time both on and off the mountain while advertisers have a platform to reach an affluent and active audience.
Anakeesta, voted the 2018 Tennessee attraction of the year, is an adventure park for all ages that celebrates nature-based family entertainment. Guests enter the park via the Chondola or Ridge Rambler Adventure Truck and enjoy a full day of family play, dining and shopping. Anakeesta’s park includes a range of relaxing activities including the Treetop Skywalk, a network of rope bridges 60 feet in the air,an iconic observation tower that boasts 360 degree views of the Smoky Mountains, Anakeesta’s Treeventure Challenge course (a network of climbing and sliding routes that connect several treehouses) as well as high-speed activities like the Dueling Zipline or the Rail Runner, a single-rail mountain roller coaster that can hit speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. Anakeesta is nestled in the heart of and above the City of Gatlinburg.
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