What’s New
Tourism Community Update: A Recap of Buncombe County TDA Board Meetings
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority meets monthly. For highlights of each BCTDA board meeting, including links to meeting documents, presentations, and more, check out each month’s Tourism Community Update newsletter.
‘Accidental Hotelier’ Honored with Top Tourism Leadership Award by Buncombe County TDA
PRESS RELEASE: Bob Patel, a self-described “accidental hotelier,” is the recipient of the 2021 William A.V. Cecil Tourism Leadership Award for his commitment and contributions to the tourism sector and the community.
Asheville’s African American Heritage Trail Moves Forward; Community Invited To Offer Input
PRESS RELEASE: Plans for a walking trail connecting historic Black communities in and around downtown Asheville continue to move forward. Organizers are seeking input from the public to help shape the themes and content.
Info Session on Buncombe County TDA Grant Program for Local Festivals &Cultural Events
PRESS RELEASE: Explore Asheville will host an information session for those interested in applying to the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund.
Explore Asheville joins the Global Sustainable Tourism Council as a Destination Member
Explore Asheville recently adopted four strategic imperatives tied to broader community goals; one is Encourage Safe & Responsible Travel. Joining the Global Sustainable Tourism Council was one of Explore Asheville’s first actions upon adopting this strategic pillar.
Buncombe County TDA Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund: Local Impact Recognized Nationally
The BCTDA’s $5 million community initiative that provided grants to help nearly 400 local small businesses safely reopen, providing the support to protect jobs for local people, won a national award for its impact in the community.
What’s New
Tourism Community Update: A Recap of Buncombe County TDA Board Meetings
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority meets monthly. For highlights of each BCTDA board meeting, including links to meeting documents, presentations, and more, check out each month’s Tourism Community Update newsletter.
‘Accidental Hotelier’ Honored with Top Tourism Leadership Award by Buncombe County TDA
PRESS RELEASE: Bob Patel, a self-described “accidental hotelier,” is the recipient of the 2021 William A.V. Cecil Tourism Leadership Award for his commitment and contributions to the tourism sector and the community.
Asheville’s African American Heritage Trail Moves Forward; Community Invited To Offer Input
PRESS RELEASE: Plans for a walking trail connecting historic Black communities in and around downtown Asheville continue to move forward. Organizers are seeking input from the public to help shape the themes and content.
Tourism: Caring for Our Community
Annual School Supply Drive Provides Local Students with Basic Supplies to Succeed Academically
It’s been a beloved annual tradition for Explore Asheville to host a hospitality industry back-to-school backpack drive at our Summer Social. Even without the celebration this year, tourism partners can still support United Way.
Asheville’s Creative Expression Shines Through to Support & Amplify Black Voices
As businesses boarded up as a precaution during nights of protests, local artists volunteered their time, talent and resources to create powerful and engaging murals on the plywood.
Hotels Collect & Donate Items for ‘Hoops Against Hunger’ Project
The winning hotels Hilton Garden Inn and Hyatt Place together collect more than 5,500 food items for children in Western North Carolina.
Perspectives
Business North Carolina Recognizes Local Leaders in Hospitality & Tourism
This year’s Business NC list of the state’s top hospitality and tourism leaders includes two current Buncombe County TDA members, lodging and attractions partners, the CVB’s recent interim executive and Explore Asheville’s current President & CEO. See the list here!
Insights on Issues of Equity in Creative Placemaking Explored at Community Leadership Series
Hosted by Leadership Asheville and Asheville Area Arts Council and sponsored by Explore Asheville, this series focuses on Equity in Creative Placemaking with presentations from national recognized experts as well as local professionals.
Author & Former Mayor of New Orleans Shares Insights on Issues of Equity
Hosted by Leadership Asheville and Asheville Area Arts Council and sponsored by Explore Asheville, this series focuses on Equity in Creative Placemaking. The kickoff featured the insights of Mitchell Landrieu to include the issue of removing confederate monuments.
Community Partners
