Smoky Mountain Youth Leadership had such a fun and full Tourism & Hospitality Program Day! 
Our students got a behind-the-scenes look at just how important tourism and hospitality are to Sevier County, while learning about the many different careers and opportunities within the industry.
We started our morning at Dollywood, where students learned about the different divisions that work together to make the park run successfully & enjoyed a delicious breakfast. They even put their creativity to work designing and presenting their own theme parks! 
Next, we headed to Ripley’s Aquarium, where students learned more about the operations of the aquarium, careers within Ripley’s, and the impact tourism has on our community. After a great lunch, we also had to make time to explore the aquarium! 
We finished our day at Compass Hotel by Margaritaville, where students learned more about the hospitality industry and what goes into creating a great experience for visitors to our area. 
A HUGE thank you to Dollywood Parks & Resorts , Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies , and Compass Hotel Pigeon Forge for welcoming our SMYL Class and taking the time to share your knowledge and experiences with our students. We are so grateful for our community partners who help us Introduce. Inform. Inspire. Involve. the next generation of leaders!
