What’s New
![Highly Anticipated Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail Unveiled in Momentous Community Celebration](https://www.ashevillecvb.com/wp-content/uploads/Explore-Asheville-Black-Heritage-Trail-Unvealing-6.jpg)
Highly Anticipated Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail Unveiled in Momentous Community Celebration
Community leaders, government officials, and advocates gathered today at Black Wall Street to witness the unveiling of the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail, marking the culmination of years of extensive community efforts. This trail celebrates the dignity, humanity, and agency of Black people from all backgrounds who built resilient communities and fostered social change in Asheville.
![BCTDA Approves $100,000 of Investments to 25 Local Festivals and Cultural Events](https://www.ashevillecvb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-festivals-and-cultural-events-timeline--1080x675.png)
BCTDA Approves $100,000 of Investments to 25 Local Festivals and Cultural Events
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.
![Government and Nonprofit Partners are Invited to Apply for The Legacy Investment From Tourism (LIFT) Fund Inaugural Grant Cycle](https://www.ashevillecvb.com/wp-content/uploads/MicrosoftTeams-image-114.png)
Government and Nonprofit Partners are Invited to Apply for The Legacy Investment From Tourism (LIFT) Fund Inaugural Grant Cycle
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.
![BCTDA Greenlights Additional $6.1M in Community Projects Through TPDF in 2023](https://www.ashevillecvb.com/wp-content/uploads/ENKA-2023-TPDF.png)
BCTDA Greenlights Additional $6.1M in Community Projects Through TPDF in 2023
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.
![Now Accepting Applications for the 2024 Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund](https://www.ashevillecvb.com/wp-content/uploads/Juneteenth-x-Latin-Fest-48-small.jpg)
Now Accepting Applications for the 2024 Festivals & Cultural Events Support 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.
![2023 Annual Meeting Recap: BCTDA Commemorates 40 Years of Investment in Asheville](https://www.ashevillecvb.com/wp-content/uploads/CCP_0137-1080x675.jpg)
2023 Annual Meeting Recap: BCTDA Commemorates 40 Years of Investment in Asheville
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.
What’s New
Nearly $10 Million Committed to Tourism-Related Community Projects Through BCTDA’s Inaugural Legacy Investment From Tourism Fund
The BCTDA approved nearly $10 million of new investments in a dozen tourism-related capital projects to benefit visitors and residents. The Legacy Investment from Tourism (LIFT) Fund provides financial investment through grants, loan guarantees, or pledges of debt service to tourism-related capital projects that will increase patronage of lodging facilities and benefit the community at large in Buncombe County.
Explore Asheville Travel & Hospitality Earth Day Cleanup
Join us and your industry colleagues for the inaugural 2024 Explore Asheville Travel & Hospitality Earth Day Cleanup on April 22, with support from Asheville GreenWorks and RiverLink.
Explore Asheville Heroes of Hospitality Call for Nominations
In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week (May 19 – 25), Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority will be accepting nominations for the inaugural Explore Asheville Heroes of Hospitality Awards beginning March 14.
Explore Asheville’s Strategic Imperatives
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