GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — While there are hundreds of tourist attractions in Gatlinburg, the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is among the biggest.

It first opened its doors in 2000 and has become one of the most visited attractions in the area for both locals and tourists.

Bringing in over a million people a year, marketing coordinator Alison Looney said the aquarium has always been a draw to Gatlinburg.

“We’re kind of one of the first aquariums in the area. We are like the main attraction, I would say, in Gatlinburg,” said Looney. “We expanded from there into Pigeon Forge and other places into Gatlinburg, and we're actually still growing. We have some new things coming up in the fall, hopefully.”

Between boosting the local economy and employing around 500 people a year, those visiti

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