News

The BCTDA has approved a total of $100,000 of investment for local cultural events and festivals celebrating Asheville and Buncombe County communities. The financial support sanctioned during the Nov. 29 board meeting aims to foster community connections and enhance local experiences for both residents and visitors in 2024. 

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) invites non-profit and government organizations to submit applications for the Legacy Investment From Tourism (LIFT) Fund cycle opening today, October 31. The LIFT Fund was created to provide financial investment for tourism-related capital projects that increase patronage of lodging facilities, meeting facilities, or convention facilities in Buncombe County, and benefit the community at large in Buncombe County.

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) approved more than $6 million of new investment in three major tourism projects to benefit visitors and residents. Including the nearly $23 million committed to McCormick Field during the BCTDA’s July meeting, Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) investments total more than $29 million in awards this year, marking the largest annual investment in the 20-year history of the fund.

Buncombe County-based nonprofits and municipal partners can now apply online for 2024 event grants until 5 pm Friday, October 27. Awards will be announced during the November BCTDA Board meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 29. Grants will be disbursed after successful completion of each event in 2024.

President & CEO Vic Isley Shared the 40-Year Benefits of Destination Promotion and Investment; Richard Florida Provided a Keynote on the Future of City Centers; Matthew Bacoate Jr. Received William A.V. Cecil Leadership Award; and Partner Activations Immersed Attendees in Asheville’s Creative Spirit.

Marketing and communications executive returns to Explore Asheville to take the helm from long-time veteran Marla Tambellini as she plans to retire following 29 years of dedicated service