What’s New
![Buncombe County TDA Relaunches Grant Program for Local Festivals & Cultural Events](https://www.ashevillecvb.com/wp-content/uploads/Website-Headers-38-1.png)
Buncombe County TDA Relaunches Grant Program for Local Festivals & Cultural Events
From Black Mountain’s Sourwood Festival to cultural celebrations like the Blue Ridge Pride Festival, local events have benefited from the Buncombe County TDA’s Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund. An information session will take place Sept. 1 for interested applicants.
![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.
What’s New
Explore Asheville Summer Social 2022: Photo Gallery Now Available!
Asheville’s creative spirit was alive and well at the 2022 Explore Asheville Summer Social on July 12, thanks to the energy and enthusiasm of partners, plus the colorful vibe of Marquee!
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 Strategic Imperatives
![Pillar Flag_no logo](https://www.ashevillecvb.com/wp-content/uploads/Pillar-Flag_no-logo.png)
Community Partners