Gatlinburg, Tennessee Short-Term Rental Market Overview
Visitor Profile
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, attracts a diverse array of visitors, each driven by a love for outdoor adventure, scenic mountain vistas, and family-friendly attractions. Visitors often seek the thrill of exploring the city’s outdoor recreational options like hiking scenic trails, experiencing breathtaking views from the Gatlinburg SkyPark, and enjoying the historic charm of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This destination particularly appeals to nature lovers and adventure seekers who want to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Tennessee while also indulging in unique attractions, such as the record-setting SkyBridge.
Families, couples, and solo travelers all value Gatlinburg’s blend of outdoor excursions and entertainment, making it a perfect spot for a memorable vacation. They appreciate the variety of activities ranging from visiting aquariums and mini-golf courses to exploring vibrant downtown shops and eateries. These visitors are searching for an authentic mountain experience combined with convenient access to attractions that create lasting memories, making Gatlinburg a premier getaway in the southeastern United States.
Top Attractions
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a captivating destination nestled at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains, offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and family-friendly entertainment. Visitors flock here to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains, including scenic hikes, waterfalls, and wildlife in the national park. One of the town’s main draws is the iconic Gatlinburg SkyPark, where you can walk across the record-setting SkyBridge—the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America—and enjoy panoramic views. Additionally, attractions like Ober Mountain, with its aerial tramway and ski area, provide year-round fun, making Gatlinburg a versatile spot for every season.
Beyond its natural wonders, Gatlinburg is renowned for its vibrant attractions and entertainment options. Dollywood, located nearby in Pigeon Forge, is a top-ticketed theme park loved for its thrilling rides and live shows. The city also boasts engaging museums, live theaters, miniature golf courses, and outlet malls, all designed to entertain visitors of all ages. Whether you seek exhilarating ziplining adventures, exploring the charming shops along with diverse dining options, or simply relaxing amid scenic mountain views, Gatlinburg offers an irresistible mix of outdoor splendor and lively attractions that keep visitors coming back year after year.
Regulations
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, presents a regulated environment for short-term rental (STR) hosts, where compliance with city codes is essential to operate legally and responsibly. Hosts can expect a framework encompassing licensing, zoning, health and safety standards, taxation, and operational conduct to ensure community well-being while enabling hospitality opportunities. Navigating these rules requires attention to detail and adherence to stipulated conditions, reflecting the city’s commitment to balancing tourism with residential quality of life.
Key Regulatory Considerations:
– Licensing and Permits: Short-term rental properties in Gatlinburg must obtain proper licensing through the city’s regulatory authorities. This typically includes an application process overseen by local departments such as the city planning or regulatory offices, with associated fees and renewal periods to maintain good standing.
– Primary Residence and Zoning Requirements: Regulations may specify whether the rental property needs to be a primary residence or allow vacation homes, and zoning laws dictate permissible locations for STR operations. Understanding these geographical and use-based restrictions is crucial.
– Occupancy, Health & Safety Standards: Hosts must comply with occupancy limits to prevent overcrowding and adhere to safety provisions. These include installation of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers meeting local fire code requirements to protect guests and property.
– Tax Obligations: Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting applicable transient occupancy taxes and any other local taxes. Awareness of tax rates and filing deadlines is necessary to ensure fiscal compliance.
– Operational Standards & Enforcement: Rules governing advertising accuracy, noise levels, guest behavior, and duration of stays are enforced to maintain community standards. Violations can lead to penalties or revocation of rental licenses.
For the most current and legally binding information, property owners should consult the City of Gatlinburg’s Official STR Regulations Page to review specific ordinances, application guidelines, and contact information for the relevant city departments responsible for STR oversight.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee Market Performance Trends
Gatlinburg, Tennessee Rental Market Insights
10-Year Market Growth
Growth chart data is not available for this location.
Booking Activity
- 1-3 Months:64.7% Booked
- 4-6 Months:65.9% Booked
- 7-9 Months:70.1% Booked
- 10-12 Months:15.8% Booked
Cancellation Policies
- Flexible:14.3%
- Moderate:17.9%
- Strict:60.5%
- Super Strict:60.5%
- N/A:1.3%
Minimum Stay
- 1 Day:409
- 2 Days:1,120
- 3 Days:256
- 4-6 Days:143
- 7-29 Days:196
- 30+ Days:1
