What’s New
![How To Optimize Your Presence on ExploreAsheville.com: A Recap & Instructions](https://www.ashevillecvb.com/wp-content/uploads/Website-Headers-25-1.png)
How To Optimize Your Presence on ExploreAsheville.com: A Recap & Instructions
Explore Asheville hosted our first post-pandemic, in-person Partner Salon on July 21, which included a presentation on how to optimize your presence on ExploreAsheville.com. Download a PDF of the presentation and find a “homework list” to refer to as you perfect your presence.
![Team Explore Asheville’s Service Project: Litter Cleanup in the River Arts District](https://www.ashevillecvb.com/wp-content/uploads/Website-Headers-17.png)
Team Explore Asheville’s Service Project: Litter Cleanup in the River Arts District
As part of Explore Asheville’s commemoration of National Tourism Week, the Explore Asheville team participated in a litter cleanup service project in the River Arts District through Asheville GreenWorks. Check out our photo gallery here.
![‘Bear With Us”: Updated Public Service Campaign Has Gentle Reminders for Visitors & Residents](https://www.ashevillecvb.com/wp-content/uploads/Updated-Bear-Art-for-website.png)
‘Bear With Us”: Updated Public Service Campaign Has Gentle Reminders for Visitors & Residents
Explore Asheville, Buncombe County, and the City of Asheville, with assistance by Asheville Area Arts Council and Asheville Art Museum, have partnered on a colorful new safety campaign as a reminder of the 3 W’s.
![Perspectives Guest Post | Responsible Tourism: A Welcome Conversation](https://www.ashevillecvb.com/wp-content/uploads/CC-Editorial-Header.png)
Perspectives Guest Post | Responsible Tourism: A Welcome Conversation
Buncombe County Commissioner Terri Wells provides her perspectives on encouraging safe and responsible travel as part of a discussion of Explore Asheville’s strategic pillars and the new course being charted for the tourism community.
![Public Is Invited to Reparations Speaker Series, Taking Place in June at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium](https://www.ashevillecvb.com/wp-content/uploads/Website-Headers-21-1.png)
Public Is Invited to Reparations Speaker Series, Taking Place in June at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
The Information Sharing & Truth Telling Speaker Series is Phase 1 of the City of Asheville’s process to deliver community reparations for Black Asheville. Buncombe County TDA is a presenting sponsor and the public is invited to participate.
![Cultural Conversations, Commemorations & Celebrations: Juneteenth, Hola Asheville & More](https://www.ashevillecvb.com/wp-content/uploads/Website-header-juneteenth.jpg)
Cultural Conversations, Commemorations & Celebrations: Juneteenth, Hola Asheville & More
Explore Asheville is supporting several events that are consistent with our strategic imperative to Engage & Invite More Diverse Audiences, including GRINDfest 2021 during the weekend of Juneteenth. Find out more and how to join in here.
What’s New
Internship Part of Strategic Pillar, ‘Encourage Safe & Responsible Travel’
Projects include a hotel sustainability audit, researching various sustainability/green hotel accreditation programs, and mapping electric vehicle charging stations through Buncombe County.
Occupancy Tax Changes Increase Funding for Community Capital Projects
Local hotel leaders advocated for a change in the allocation of the occupancy tax, to increase funding for investment in community capital projects and decrease funding for tourism promotion.
Explore Asheville’s Efforts to Engage & Invite More Diverse Audiences
Efforts also include Explore Asheville’s formal commitment with other destinations that substantive, relevant, and measurable goals around DEI will be included in our annual business plans.
Explore Asheville’s Strategic Imperatives
![Pillar Flag_no logo](https://www.ashevillecvb.com/wp-content/uploads/Pillar-Flag_no-logo.png)
Community Partners