Pigeon Forge Tourism Takes The Lead With Groundbreaking AI-Driven Search In The USA

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, US has adopted AI-based search methods as its modern approach to travel marketing. The city has become a leader in digital tourism marketing through its partnership with Orange 142 and the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. The partnership develops new SEO methods for tourism through its study of both existing SEO practices and upcoming Generative Engine Optimisation technologies. The new method enables tourist destinations to maintain their presence in the market through AI-based search systems which control consumer behavior.

The upcoming webinar titled How to Get Your Brand Recommended by AI: A Pigeon Forge Case Study promises to detail how the destination shifted its marketing strategy to an AI-ready framework, offering valuable insights for destination marketers worldwide.

Transitioning from Traditional SEO to AI-Ready Framework

The webinar will outline Pigeon Forge’s step-by-step transition from conventional SEO methods to AI-driven frameworks designed for generative search platforms. Amy Warner, the Assistant Director of Tourism at the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, shared her perspective on this journey, highlighting how the evolving landscape of AI and generative search demanded a fresh approach. According to Warner, the move to GEO not only aligned with the digital marketing needs of Pigeon Forge but also enabled the team to remain competitive in an increasingly AI-powered world.

Warner explained that working with Orange 142 has brought clarity to the evolving trends in AI, especially concerning the importance of structured storytelling, intent signals, and authoritative answers. These elements are critical in ensuring Pigeon Forge remains highly visible and easily discoverable for prospective tourists through generative search engines. By focusing on these areas, Pigeon Forge aims to answer questions that tourists may have, from seasonal activities to logistical concerns, using AI to create a seamless, dynamic user experience.

The Power of AI-Powered Discovery

The collaboration has brought more than just increased visibility for the city; it has offered valuable operational insights as well. Ask Martha, an AI-powered tool, is an example of how AI-driven platforms are reshaping tourism marketing. This tool gives real-time answers to travelers’ questions, from trip-planning to local attractions, further reinforcing the city’s position as a leader in innovative marketing.

In a statement, Ashwini Karandikar, EVP of Media, Tech, and Data at 4As, emphasised the importance of this shift, noting that AI is changing how brands are discovered and evaluated. The case study goes beyond theoretical frameworks, showing marketers a practical, repeatable approach to adapting their strategies for AI systems. The move toward AI discovery marks a fundamental change in the marketing landscape, where visibility no longer hinges solely on traditional tactics but also on engaging with generative AI in meaningful, measurable ways.

Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO): A Game-Changer for Tourism Marketing

At the core of this digital transformation is Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO), a cutting-edge approach designed to ensure that tourism brands are recommended by generative AI systems. This method places emphasis on creating content that answers specific user intents while staying authoritative and highly relevant to the target audience. Through GEO, tourism boards can align their messaging with what generative AI algorithms favour, allowing for improved brand visibility and the ability to meet traveller expectations more effectively.

This approach contrasts with traditional SEO methods, where keywords and backlinks dominate the ranking process. GEO, on the other hand, focuses on structured content and creating authoritative answers that meet the needs of both AI search engines and consumers. The Pigeon Forge tourism team, in partnership with Orange 142, is a prime example of how destinations can benefit from this approach, leveraging AI to ensure that potential visitors find exactly what they’re looking for when they need it.

Webinar Insights: Marketers Can Learn from Real-World Results

The webinar, led by Christy Nolan, VP of Delivery Solutions at Orange 142, alongside Ben Hale, Senior Account Director at Orange 142, and Amy Warner, will provide marketers with practical, real-world examples of how this innovative digital strategy can be implemented. The aim is to help tourism boards, brands, and destination marketing organizations understand how AI-driven discovery is reshaping visibility, performance, and long-term growth.

As Warner notes, this process isn’t just about digital tactics but also about fostering long-term partnerships with agencies and partners that understand the complexities of AI. She explained that collaborating with Orange 142 has been pivotal in guiding Pigeon Forge through this evolving landscape. In her view, having trusted partners is essential as AI advancements continue to grow.

A Roadmap for AI-Driven Tourism Marketing

Pigeon Forge’s embrace of AI-driven search is just the beginning of what promises to be a groundbreaking shift in how destinations market themselves. With the rise of generative AI, the need for strategic partnerships and innovative solutions is paramount. The Pigeon Forge case study and the upcoming webinar on Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) offer key takeaways for tourism marketers looking to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly AI-powered world.

Christy Nolan and Ben Hale from Orange 142 lead digital marketing research to develop new advertising methods which all travel destinations and their associated companies should study. The future of travel marketing is here, and it’s powered by AI. Pigeon Forge has shown that with the right strategy, partnerships, and technology, any destination can stay visible, relevant, and ahead of the competition in the digital age.

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