October 26, 2016 — The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) awarded five community projects $3,930,000 in funding today from the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF). The funds, generated from a portion of the room tax revenues paid by overnight visitors in Buncombe County lodging accommodations, will go toward three theater projects, a WNC Farmers Market revitalization project and additional features at Montreat College’s Pulliam Stadium. “The collection of projects funded in this TPDF cycle holds significant community value while also being supported by the industry,” said BCTDA Chair Paula Wilber, vice president of sales at Biltmore. “Together they will elevate the arts experience,...

September 28, 2016 — The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) voted today to provide $50,500 in grants to support 14 community festivals and events. Utilizing discretionary advertising revenue from the ExploreAsheville.com website, BCTDA developed a Festivals and Cultural Events Support Fund in early 2016. The new grant program is a mechanism to foster festivals and cultural events that serve Buncombe County residents as well as visitors to the area. The primary purposes of this fund are: • To support and preserve cultural identity within Buncombe County • To stimulate the creation of new or expansion of existing tourism Events • To help events grow With the redesign of the...

August 31, 2016 — The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) took steps today toward establishing the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau as a new, independent organization. It is anticipated that the process will be finalized by June 30, 2017. The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has been a stalwart advocate of tourism and served at the forefront of efforts to create the Blue Ridge Parkway, promote the authentic culture of the region and shine a spotlight on the handmade craft industry. This leadership helped shape the Asheville area tourism experience and greatly contributed to the quality of life in the region. The creation of BCTDA in 1983, as part of the hotel occupancy tax...