Word from the Smokies: The patient isn't dead, but...

[Collin Hays]

It's been a while since I have blogged on the Smokies.  Feel free to check it out and discuss.

The patient isn't dead, but he's in a coma (biggerpockets.com)

[Peter Stewart]

I keep hearing opinions like this, and I do not see this translate into the real world. My cabin in Pigeon Forge has maintained close to 90% occupancy this year. There is a TON of development happening all around the area. Every time I go down that way it's absolutely slammed with people. From what I see the demand for the area is still extremely high and I don't see it changing anytime soon.

Now, bookings might be down a bit in general, but what I think you are seeing is a squeeze on the "mediocre middle" - those are the ones driving all the "airbn-bust" talk. Too many people got into the market that shouldn't have over the past few years - they put out a very average product and don't know how to manage it well. If bookings decrease or if there are any other changes (# of visitors decrease, etc), they are the first ones hit.