Independent research on who visits the Southern Smokies, where they come from, and how their spending moves through the region. These studies were conducted by the Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) at NC State University.
Where Tourism Flows
Interconnections and linkages in outdoor tourism and recreation across Southwest North Carolina: 5.2 million visits to 122 points of interest, corridor analysis of US 64, US 441, and US 74, and visitor origin patterns.
2025 GSMR Economic Contribution
The economic contribution of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: 1,435 jobs, $191.4 million in annual economic output, visitor profiles, and spending patterns in Bryson City and beyond.
Lake Chatuge Economic Impact Assessment
Tourism to Lake Chatuge in 2024: 495,200 visits, $13.5 million in economic output, 85 jobs, and $900,000 in state and local tax revenue.