First phase of resort reopened on Saturday, December 10.
GATLINBURG, TENN. – After working around the clock since last week's devastating wildfire, Westgate Resorts is reopening the first phase of the resort tomorrow. In total, 652 units and 70 of the 90 buildings at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort were destroyed in the wildfire; however, 352 units and many of the amenities were unaffected by the blaze, including the resort's 60,000 sq.ft. Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park, Marketplace, fitness center, swimming pool and original check-in building. The resort is now accepting Smoky Mountain owner reservations by calling (800) 413-0923.
Reconstruction of the damaged units is already underway and "the property will be rebuilt to an even better standard than before," according to David Siegel, president and CEO of Westgate Resorts. "We appreciate the continued support of our team members, vendors, local authorities and community as we face all the challenges of the rebuilding process. Spirits are very high and everyone is pitching in to make sure we reopen the resort as quickly as possible and get everyone back to work again."
The unprecedented reconstruction project will serve not only to allow Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort – the largest resort and biggest employer in the area – to resume the return of owners and guests to the resort in a timely manner, but also help protect the jobs of resort employees throughout the holidays and beyond. Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort has a substantial economic impact in the surrounding community amounting to more than $28 million in the first 10 months of 2016 and employs approximately 1,100 team members throughout the region.
Siegel acknowledged "the tremendous support of our entire family of Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa owners, guests and team members during this challenging time. In particular, we are thankful for our dedicated Westgate team members who evacuated more than 900 guests from the resort with very little notice and saved many lives that night from the wildfire, as well as the courageous first responders who helped safely evacuate guests at our resort and throughout the community. The fact that none of our guests or team members were injured in the tragedy is a miracle and reflects strongly on the outstanding team at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and the first responders. You can be assured that the resort will be back bigger and more beautiful than ever, and we look forward to serving our owners and guests for years to come."
At least 20 Westgate team members lost homes in the wildfire, along with the hundreds of other homes lost in the local community. Westgate has embarked on a nationwide fundraising campaign to assist any individuals who lost homes in the community resulting from the wildfire. In addition, Westgate has initiated an Adopt-A-Family Program for Westgate team members to personally assist anyone in the community who was impacted by the wildfire and need help with basic needs or holiday gifts.
Westgate also plans to host a Grand Opening Celebration at Smoky Mountain Opry Theater on Wednesday, December 14, 2016, from 11:30 a.m. – 1p.m. to celebrate Westgate team members and first responders whose courageous actions saved many lives during the wildfire. Immediately after the celebration, a Media Reception will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort.
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