Dollywood continues to set the pace for regional tourism investment. The park celebrated its 40th anniversary season in 2025 with the debut of The Dolly Parton Experience, the new Wilderness Pass Restaurant, and a 750-space parking expansion. Looking ahead, Dollywood plans to open the $50 million NightFlight Expedition in 2026—an indoor coaster and raft ride that represents the single largest attraction investment in the park’s history.

Pigeon Forge is expanding its already diverse attraction mix. Recent additions include the Jurassic Adventure animatronic dinosaur exhibit at The Island in Pigeon Forge; Scooby-Doo Mystery Putt miniature golf; the Pigeon Forge Racing Coaster; Space Race Adventures, featuring mini golf, laser tag, and go-kart racing; Hulk Hogan’s Wrestling Shop; and Truth Traveler by Ark Encounter, a virtual-reality experience centered on the story of Noah’s Ark.

Anakeesta is undertaking a major multi-year expansion in Gatlinburg. In November 2025, the adventure park announced “Making More Magic,” a five-year, $100 million investment that will deliver a next-generation lift system, an expanded Treetop Skywalk, and a fully reimagined Firefly Village with a nighttime Firefly Experience. Earlier in 2025, Anakeesta also debuted the Hellbender Mountain Coaster, a 3,350-foot-long high-speed attraction offering panoramic Smoky Mountain views.

Gatlinburg SkyPark is enhancing its guest experience with new amenities and future growth. In 2025, the park opened Clayton’s Landing, a 10,000-square-foot expansion featuring the Smoky Mountain Smash burger restaurant, glider chairs, firepits, hiking trails, and a scenic overlook atop Crockett Mountain. A future phase planned for 2028 will add additional retail and dining options.

Regional collaboration helped safeguard the Smoky Mountains’ peak tourism season. During the federal government shutdown in October and November 2025, Great Smoky Mountains National Park remained open through a coordinated funding effort involving the State of Tennessee, local governments, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Friends of the Smokies, and other partners. The approximately $85,000 per day in operational funding helped preserve the critical fall tourism season and supported lodging, dining, and attractions throughout the region.

New sports infrastructure is reshaping Knoxville’s downtown entertainment scene. In 2025, the Knoxville Smokies minor league baseball team began play at Covenant Health Park, a newly constructed 6,355-seat stadium in the Old City neighborhood. The facility also serves as home to One Knoxville SC and One Knoxville SC Women professional soccer, strengthening Knoxville’s role as a regional sports and entertainment hub.