Tennessee River Gorge Explorer Attracts Tourism, Depsite Hard Economic Times

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No doubt tourism takes a hit when there's a slumping ecomony.

But despite that fact, a new Chattanooga attraction keeps making waves among locals and visitors alike.

The Tennessee River Gorge Explorer opened about a month and a half ago.

It offers a 90-minute tour of the river gorge and a glimpse at protected wildlife.

Thom Benson with the Tennessee Aquarium notes, "This is a unique boat in that it's the only high speed vessel of it's type operating in an inland water way in North America."

The 2 point 6 million dollar boat is among the "green"-ist options available.

Benson says, "They are taking data from these engines and they are designed to meet the latest EPA, tier 2 standards."

Wamp adds, "I don't think you could be the Tennessee Aquarium and have the reputation they have globally for environmental sensitivity without having a boat like this one."

Congressman Zach Wamp was among the passengers on today's trip.

He calls the attraction a bold step for Chattanooga.

Wamp says, "This is educational, it's environmental and it's fun."

Wamp says not doubt a slumping economy has somewhat hurt attractions like this, "But I would argue that with Volkswagon and a lot of other development we have here we're almost recession proof. The economy here is pretty strong. Tourism hurts but what people say is instead of a week in Florida, we'll do a weekend in Chattanooga," Wamp added.

For more information on the tours, click here.