May 17, 2021 – Cherokee, NC – Three of the most successful Native American tribes in the Southeastern United States have entered into an investment partnership with DreamCatcher Hotels. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have teamed with DreamCatcher to develop a high-end, AAA-rated Four Diamond hotel in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Located in a mecca of tourism and natural beauty, DreamCatcher Hotel – Pigeon Forge will become one of the top-rated and desired lodging properties within the Smoky Mountains.

“We are thrilled about our partnership with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians,” stated Zeke Cooper, President of DreamCatcher Franchise Development. “The Pigeon Forge property launches a new milestone in our company, opening as the first hotel under our brand name. Our tribal partners share our bold vision of developing and investing in unique and innovative hospitality properties, located in areas we know people want to visit. We are excited and humbled by their investment and trust. Our goal is to create significant returns for each tribe’s members.”

The unprecedented partnership and investment add diversity to each of the tribes already-successful economic development portfolios. From gaming and hospitality properties to cattle farms and construction firms, the tribes are known for their business expertise and accomplishments. Revenue generated from their investment will financially benefit their tribal operations and members for generations to come.

“On behalf of the Tribal Council of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, I’m excited to be part of this historic development, which I am confident will continue to secure the economic future of our Tribal Members and drive economic prosperity for many years to come. The Seminole Tribe has deep experience in owning and operating hotels, and we are very familiar with Pigeon Forge, a market that attracts millions of vacationers, conventions, weddings and athletic tournaments each year,” stated Chairman Marcellus Osceola of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

“Although this is not an investment here on our tribal lands, it is an opportunity for us, along with the other tribes, to diversify our business portfolio,” said Chief Cyrus Ben of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. “This is yet another step in Choctaw self-determination. With this capital investment, our goal is to generate revenue to benefit the tribe as a whole. As our Tribe grows, so should our business interests.”

Pigeon Forge is an exciting locale for this investment. Tourism to the area escalated before the pandemic and analysts now predict a quick return of tourist activity to pre-pandemic levels. The property features 12,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, an idyllic rooftop restaurant and lounge, and 200 guest rooms. The hotel site is strategically located within the heart of dining, shopping and excursion options while also sitting adjacent to the Leconte Center and the Cal Ripken Baseball/Softball Experience.

“The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are proud to partner with our sister tribes, The Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians on this inaugural project,” said Principal Chief Richie Sneed of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. “It is our hope that this will be but one of many economic development projects our tribes can partner on, helping to secure the financial future of our tribes. We are grateful for the opportunity as well as the partnership with DreamCatcher as the project developer.”

DreamCatcher develops high-end affordable hotels in choice tourism destinations and Pigeon Forge fits perfectly into that model. DreamCatcher is proud of its long history of successful business relationships with various Native American tribes and is excited to bring these three leaders together to create this first-time partnership. DreamCatcher Hotel – Pigeon Forge is the first in a series of new branded hotels DreamCatcher intends to franchise over the next five years. The property will open in the summer of 2023.

For more information about the project, contact Zeke Cooper at ZCooper@DreamCatcherHotels.com.

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DreamCatcher began in 2012 as a hotel development company with a prototype that allows hotel owners to achieve luxurious accommodations at an affordable price. To date, DreamCatcher has been contracted to develop more than 2,000 hotel rooms across the United States. DreamCatcher Franchise Development is the company’s newest endeavor, focusing on building hotels under its brand name and franchising them to owners interested in having a presence in choice tourism locales. DreamCatcher has offices in Memphis, Tennessee and Cherokee, North Carolina. For more information visit dreamcatcherhotels.com or contact Zeke Cooper at ZCooper@DreamCatcherHotels.com.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida have over 4,000 tribal members and are based in Hollywood, Florida. The Seminole Tribe are the owners of the multiple enterprises, including casinos, resorts, other tourism destinations, as well as being the owners of Hard Rock International. The Hard Rock brand is one of the world’s most globally recognized brands, with venues in over 75 countries. For more information about the Seminole Tribe of Florida visit semtribe.com.

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians have over 11,000 tribal members and are based in Choctaw, Mississippi. The tribe owns and operates multiple enterprises, including Pearl River Resort, Dancing Rabbit Golf Club and Geyser Falls Waterpark. For more information about the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians visit choctaw.org/.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have over 16,000 tribal members and are based on the Qualla Boundary in Western North Carolina. They own multiple enterprises, including three casino resort properties, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Harrah’s Valley River Casino and Hotel and Harrah’s Southern Indiana. For more information about the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians visit visitcherokeenc.com/.