The Japanese Band of Cherokee Indians is discussing a possible partnership with a global theme park as a part of a seek for world-class leisure to anchor a Sevier County improvement.
Representatives of French leisure firm Puy du Fou are assembly in-person with tribe leaders this week, in accordance a press launch.
The 200-acre improvement is situated at Exit 407 off of Interstate 40, Tennessee’s front-door entrance to Gatlinburg and Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park.
The property, known as “The 407: Gateway to Journey,” can be the long run dwelling of an enormous Buc-ee’s journey middle.
Knoxville-based OE Experiences is main the tribe’s international seek for “excellent experiences to anchor the entertainment-focused elements of the event,” in response to the discharge.
It is a good time to be investing in Sevier County. The nationwide park shattered attendance information in 2021 and Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are prime U.S. household trip locations.
The event is owned and operated by Kituwah, LLC, a subsidiary of the Japanese Band of Cherokee Indians.
What’s Puy du Fou?
Primarily based in Western France, Puy du Fou is understood for theatrical performances and immersive exhibits impressed by historical past. It has parks in France and Spain and can premiere a brand new present in Shanghai this yr.
Philippe de Villiers, who ran as a nationalist candidate within the 2007 French presidential election, based the group in 1978.
One immersive present at its park in France, “Le Mystere de La Perouse,” takes company aboard a scientific expedition on the excessive seas through which they really feel the motion of the vessel and spray from the ocean whereas venturing by means of the interactive exhibit.
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TripAdvisor Traveler’s Selection named Puy du Fou the No. 2 amusement park in on this planet in 2020. The Themed Leisure Affiliation named a Puy du Fou present the most effective on this planet in 2016 and 2017.
Extra then 2.3 million individuals visited the unique French theme park in 2019, in response to an organization press package.
What’s the 407 improvement?
Richard Sneed, principal chief of the Japanese Band of Cherokee Indians, beforehand advised Knox Information the tribe will construct retail, motels and eating places on 198 acres south of the interstate. That property is the place Buc-ee’s shall be constructed.
The tribe additionally purchased 122 acres on the north aspect of the interstate and adjoining to the Kodak Smokies Stadium. The tribe spent about $21 million on the 2 properties mixed.
Venture companions have estimated the property might entice 6.7 million guests within the first full yr of operation after the primary section of improvement is full.
Buc-ee’s is a Texas-based chain of journey facilities identified for clear loos and barbecue.
Enterprise Progress and Improvement Editor Brenna McDermott will be reached at [email protected] Help our native information efforts by turning into a Knox Information subscriber.
This text initially appeared on Knoxville Information Sentinel: Japanese Band Cherokee in talks Puy du Fou for Sevier County attraction
