What’s New
Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2020 – 2021
The Annual Report for Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Fiscal Year 2020-2021 is available for download. Find a link to download a copy on the Research & Reports page.
‘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.
Explore Asheville joins the Global Sustainable Tourism Council as a Destination Member
Explore Asheville has adopted four strategic imperatives tied to broader community goals; one is Encourage Safe & Responsible Travel. Joining the GSTC 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.
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.
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.
Help Shape Asheville’s African American Heritage Trail: Apply to Serve on the Advisory Committee
PRESS RELEASE: Plans for an African American heritage walking trail funded by the Buncombe County TDA continue to move forward, and organizers are seeking local residents to serve on an advisory committee for the project.
BCTDA Approves Grants of $110,000 to Support 26 Local Festivals & Cultural Events
PRESS RELEASE: Time-honored events like the Sourwood Festival and Downtown After 5 to cultural celebrations like Blue Ridge Pride Festival and GRINDFest 2022 will receive financial support in 2022 from the Buncombe County TDA.
Tourism: Caring for Our Community
Hotel’s Holiday Parking Program Supports Local Nonprofit Organizations
Since the inception of the Holiday Parking Program, the Omni Grove Park Inn has contributed more than $535,000 to Western North Carolina nonprofits.
Preserving & Protecting Local National Forests for Residents & Visitors
A Leadership Asheville project team invites citizens to help protect the natural beauty and health of the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests.
Explore Asheville Service Day: Scrubbing & Painting for Charity
The Explore Asheville team dedicates two days a year to serving a charity. Recently, our service project took us to Haywood Street Congregation.
Perspectives
Hello from Explore Asheville CVB Interim Executive Director Chris Cavanaugh
A note of introduction to tourism industry partners from Explore Asheville CVB’s Interim Executive Director, who began in this role on July 1, 2020, upon the departure of President & CEO Stephanie Brown.
A Fond Farewell After 8 Years of Service to Asheville & Buncombe County
Stephanie Brown is leaving her post as President & CEO of Explore Asheville since 2012. Accomplishments under her inspired leadership and dedicated service are many. Here’s look at just a few of those achievements.
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Endorses Hotel Association Proposal
In a policy statement, the Chamber announces support of Asheville Buncombe Hotel Association’s proposed changes to the occupancy tax.
Community Partners
