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...

October 28, 2015 — The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) awarded six community projects $3.9 million in funding today from the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF), including $3.1 million for projects owned by the City of Asheville. Greenways, soccer fields and the WNC Nature Center are among the City of Asheville-owned assets that collectively received 80 percent of the allocated funding. “The TPDF recipients in this cycle represent a collection of multifaceted capital projects that develop and sustain destination offerings while benefiting other local economic sectors—and the greater community—with facilities and infrastructure that enrich daily life for all of us in Asheville,” said...