GATLINBURG (WSLS 10) - A familiar face from the New River Valley is featured in a new commercial for Gatlinburg, a town working to reassure it's tourism base after the devastating wildfire.
"The park is still beautiful," says Dennis Williams, a Virginia Tech Graduate and dance instructor at the Sapphire Ballroom in Christiansburg during the commercial. Williams currently lives in Tennessee.
Williams has several lines in the commercial boosted by "Rafting in the Smokies."
Williams joins Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner in sending the message that Gatlinburg is still a great place to visit.
In a voicemail message from Mayor Werner to WSLS 10, Werner says they are working to spread that message that all of the great crafts and amenities are still there and they are "open for business."
The commercial promotes the scenic beauty and tourist attractions like the Ripley's Aquarium and popular shopping destinations. The commercial even features the tram, that is a well-loved tourist attraction.
They urge the public to come back and see "What hasn't changed."
General Manager for Rafting in the Smokies Teresa Karson says "Gatlinburg is alive and well."
Posted by Rafting in the Smokies on Thursday, February 9, 2017
The commercial is now being shared from Rafting in the Smokies facebook page.