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TAHLEQUAH, OK - In an attempt to boost the tourism dollars in Tahlequah, many local businesses are teaming up to support the Cherokee Heritage Center's "Trail of Tears Drama" through nightly sponsorships.

Current sponsors are Cherokee Nation Enterprises, Cherokee Nation Industries, Holiday Inn, Pepsi, Phillips 66 Quick Stop, Reasor's, and Tahlequah Home Center. These sponsors have recognized the impact that the "Trail of Tears Drama" brings to the city of Tahlequah.

"The Tahlequah Tourism Department and the Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce have been very helpful and extremely supportive to the Cherokee Heritage Center and the 'Trail of Tears Drama,'" said Marilyn Craig, Cherokee Heritage Center marketing director. "We have also done some cross-promotions with the NSU River City Players and Downtown Country and float trip operators on the Illinois River to emphasize there's a lot to do in Tahlequah," Craig added.

In addition to the "Trail of Tears Drama," the Cherokee Heritage Center offers many other activities to attract tourists making it an economic asset. When tourists come to visit the Cherokee Heritage Center they also spend large sums of money in lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes. All of these expenditures benefit the local economy

The American Bus Association named the "Trail of Tears Drama" one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2002. ABA's 2002 Top 100 Events selection committee chose the "Trail of Tears Drama" from among hundreds of U.S. and Canadian events nominated by state and provincial tourism offices and visitors bureaus. Judges considered the events broad appeal, its accessibility to motor coaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.

"The real news here is that the 'Trail of Tears Drama' has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when re-energizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy," said Peter J. Pantuso, ABA's president and CEO.

"Outdoor recreation on the Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller, Northeastern State University's Downtown Country and River City Players, along with Cherokee Heritage Center activities make Tahlequah a great family vacation destination," said Rod Foster, Tahlequah tourism coordinator.

For more information on the "Trail of Tears Drama" or the Cherokee Heritage Center, call 918-456-6007, toll free 888-999-6007 and/or visit the website.