What’s New
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
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
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
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
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.
Explore Asheville Names Dodie Stephens Vice President of Marketing
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
What’s New
Explore Asheville Partners with Influential Golfers to Spotlight Historic Skyview Golf Tournament at Renovated Donald Ross Designed Asheville Municipal Golf Course
As part of its sponsorship and support of Skyview Golf Tournament, Explore Asheville is collaborating with four influential golfers to highlight the historic 64th annual tournament on July 9-11, 2024.
Explore Asheville Celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week With Inaugural Heroes of Hospitality Luncheon Recognizing Outstanding Ambassadors of Asheville and Buncombe County
The inaugural Explore Asheville Heroes of Hospitality awards ceremony celebrated more than 30 individuals nominated for their exemplary service and dedication as ambassadors of Asheville and Buncombe County on Mon. May 20, 2024.
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’s Strategic Imperatives
Community Partners