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1. What Is the Role of the Asheville Tourism Board?
The Asheville tourism board’s role is to develop tourism through marketing and promotion. The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) markets Asheville and Buncombe County as premier travel destinations by increasing tourism revenue. According to the BCTDA, this involves advertising, sales, and promoting local attractions and events.
1.1 What Are the Main Responsibilities of the Asheville Tourism Board?
The Asheville tourism board shoulders several key responsibilities aimed at boosting tourism and supporting the local economy. These include marketing and promotion, administering funds, and supporting tourism products.
- Marketing and Promotion: The BCTDA is responsible for marketing Asheville and Buncombe County as attractive tourist destinations. This involves creating advertising campaigns, attending travel shows, and using digital media to reach potential visitors. According to Explore Asheville, the board’s marketing efforts aim to increase overnight stays and visitor spending, which directly benefits local businesses.
- Administering Funds: The BCTDA manages the proceeds from the occupancy tax, which is a tax on hotel rooms and other short-term rentals. These funds are then reinvested into tourism-related projects and initiatives. This includes the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) and the Legacy Investment from Tourism Fund (LIFT), which support the development of new attractions and infrastructure improvements.
- Supporting Tourism Products: The board supports the development and enhancement of tourism products and experiences. This can include funding for new attractions, improvements to existing facilities, and support for local events and festivals.
1.2 How Does the Asheville Tourism Board Impact Local Businesses?
The Asheville tourism board significantly impacts local businesses by driving increased visitor traffic and revenue. Their initiatives are designed to attract tourists who spend money at local hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions.
- Increased Revenue: By promoting Asheville as a desirable destination, the BCTDA helps local businesses attract more customers. This increased revenue can be crucial for small businesses, allowing them to grow, hire more staff, and invest in their operations.
- Economic Development: Tourism is a major driver of economic development in Asheville and Buncombe County. The BCTDA’s efforts contribute to job creation, increased tax revenues, and a stronger local economy. According to a report by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, tourism supports thousands of jobs in the region.
- Support for Infrastructure: The BCTDA’s administration of funds like the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) and the Legacy Investment from Tourism Fund (LIFT) helps improve the local infrastructure. This includes funding for new attractions, improvements to existing facilities, and support for local events and festivals, all of which enhance the visitor experience and encourage repeat visits.
2. Who Are the Members of the Asheville Tourism Board?
The Asheville tourism board consists of 11 members from hotels, tourist businesses, and city and county councils. This diverse composition ensures that various stakeholders have a voice in shaping tourism policy and initiatives.
2.1 What Is the Composition of the Asheville Tourism Board?
The Asheville tourism board is composed of individuals from various sectors of the tourism industry and local government, ensuring a balanced representation of interests. The composition includes:
- Hotel Owners/Operators: Six members must be owners or operators of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, or vacation rental management companies. Four of these must own or operate establishments with more than 100 rental units, with appointments split between the Asheville City Council and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. The remaining two must own or operate establishments with 100 or fewer rental units, also appointed by the City Council and County Board.
- Tourism Business Representatives: Three members are actively involved in the tourist business and have participated in tourism promotion. This includes a vacation rental owner or vacation rental management company owner appointed by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, an executive from a ticketed tourist attraction appointed by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, and a restaurant owner, owner of a brewery, distillery, or winery open for tours or tastings, or executive director of a ticketed arts organization appointed by the Asheville City Council.
- City and County Council Members: One member of the Asheville City Council and one member of the Buncombe County Commissioners serve as ex-officio non-voting members.
2.2 How Are Members Appointed to the Asheville Tourism Board?
Members are appointed by the Asheville City Council, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. This ensures representation from key stakeholders in the community.
- Asheville City Council Appointments: The Asheville City Council appoints members who own or operate hotels, motels, or bed and breakfasts. They also appoint a restaurant owner, owner of a brewery, distillery, or winery open for tours or tastings, or executive director of a ticketed arts organization.
- Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Appointments: The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners appoints hotel owners/operators and vacation rental owners or vacation rental management company owners.
- Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Appointments: The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce appoints an executive from a ticketed tourist attraction.
3. How Can I Find More Information About the Asheville Tourism Board?
More information about the Asheville tourism board can be found on the Explore Asheville website. It is a great resource for detailed information. You can also contact Sarah Myers for additional details.
3.1 What Resources Are Available on the Explore Asheville Website?
The Explore Asheville website offers a wealth of information about the Asheville tourism board, including meeting schedules, board member details, and updates on tourism initiatives.
- Meeting Schedules: The website provides information on the regular meeting schedule of the BCTDA, allowing interested parties to stay informed about upcoming discussions and decisions.
- Board Member Details: You can find a list of current board members and their affiliations, offering insight into the individuals who are shaping Asheville’s tourism policies.
- Tourism Initiatives: The website details various tourism initiatives and projects supported by the BCTDA, including marketing campaigns, infrastructure improvements, and funding for local events.
- Contact Information: The site provides contact information for key personnel, such as Sarah Myers, who can provide additional information about the board and its activities.
3.2 Who Should I Contact for Additional Inquiries About the Asheville Tourism Board?
For additional inquiries about the Asheville tourism board, contact Sarah Myers. She is a key contact person who can provide detailed information about the board’s activities and initiatives.
- Sarah Myers: As a contact person for the Asheville tourism board, Sarah Myers can answer questions about meeting schedules, board member details, and ongoing projects. She can also provide insights into the board’s strategic goals and how they are working to promote tourism in Asheville and Buncombe County.
- Explore Asheville: The Explore Asheville website is another excellent resource for information. It offers a comprehensive overview of the board’s activities and provides contact details for various departments and individuals.
4. How Does the Asheville Tourism Board Support Tourism Product Development?
The Asheville tourism board supports tourism product development through the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) and the Legacy Investment from Tourism Fund (LIFT). These funds are crucial for enhancing Asheville’s appeal as a tourist destination.
4.1 What Is the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF)?
The Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) is a key initiative by the Asheville tourism board to invest in projects that enhance the tourism offerings in the region.
- Purpose: The TPDF provides funding for projects that create new tourism products or improve existing ones. This can include attractions, events, and infrastructure improvements that attract more visitors to Asheville and Buncombe County.
- Impact: By supporting these projects, the TPDF helps to diversify and enhance the tourism landscape, making Asheville a more appealing destination for a wider range of travelers. This leads to increased visitor spending and a stronger local economy.
- Examples: Projects funded by the TPDF might include the development of new hiking trails, the creation of a new festival or event, or the renovation of a historic building into a tourist attraction.
4.2 What Is the Legacy Investment From Tourism Fund (LIFT)?
The Legacy Investment From Tourism Fund (LIFT) is another critical tool used by the Asheville tourism board to make significant investments in tourism-related infrastructure and initiatives.
- Purpose: LIFT focuses on larger-scale projects that have a long-term impact on the tourism industry in Asheville and Buncombe County. This fund supports projects that create lasting benefits for both visitors and residents.
- Impact: LIFT projects often involve significant capital investments and are designed to transform the tourism landscape. This can lead to increased visitor numbers, higher visitor spending, and a stronger reputation for Asheville as a premier destination.
- Examples: Projects funded by LIFT might include the construction of a new convention center, the development of a major new attraction, or the implementation of a large-scale marketing campaign to promote Asheville to a wider audience.
5. How Can Tourists Benefit from the Asheville Tourism Board?
Tourists benefit from the Asheville tourism board through enhanced visitor experiences, access to information, and support for local tourism businesses. The board’s efforts make Asheville a more attractive and enjoyable destination.
5.1 What Services Does the Asheville Tourism Board Provide to Tourists?
The Asheville tourism board provides several services to tourists, including destination marketing, visitor information, and support for local events and attractions. These services enhance the overall visitor experience and make it easier for tourists to explore Asheville.
- Destination Marketing: The board promotes Asheville as a desirable destination through advertising campaigns, social media, and other marketing channels. This helps to attract more visitors to the area, boosting the local economy and supporting tourism businesses.
- Visitor Information: The board provides visitor information through its website, visitor centers, and other channels. This includes details on attractions, events, accommodations, and transportation, making it easier for tourists to plan their trips and navigate the area.
- Support for Local Events and Attractions: The board supports local events and attractions through funding, marketing, and other forms of assistance. This helps to ensure that Asheville offers a diverse and appealing range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
- Partnerships with Local Businesses: The board works closely with local businesses to promote their products and services to tourists. This helps to drive business to these establishments and ensures that visitors have access to a wide range of high-quality experiences.
5.2 How Does the Asheville Tourism Board Enhance the Visitor Experience?
The Asheville tourism board enhances the visitor experience by investing in tourism product development, supporting local events, and providing comprehensive visitor information. These efforts make Asheville a more attractive and enjoyable destination for tourists.
- Tourism Product Development: By funding projects that create new attractions and improve existing ones, the board helps to enhance the overall tourism landscape in Asheville. This ensures that visitors have access to a wide range of high-quality experiences.
- Support for Local Events: The board supports local events and festivals, which add to the vibrancy and appeal of Asheville as a destination. These events provide visitors with unique cultural experiences and opportunities to engage with the local community.
- Visitor Information: The board provides comprehensive visitor information through its website, visitor centers, and other channels. This includes details on attractions, events, accommodations, and transportation, making it easier for tourists to plan their trips and navigate the area.
- Infrastructure Improvements: The board invests in infrastructure improvements, such as better transportation and signage, which make it easier for tourists to get around and explore Asheville.
6. What Are the Regular Scheduled Meetings of the Asheville Tourism Board?
The Asheville tourism board holds regular scheduled meetings where important decisions about tourism development are made. Staying informed about these meetings can provide valuable insights into the board’s activities.
6.1 How Can I Stay Informed About the Asheville Tourism Board Meetings?
To stay informed about the Asheville tourism board meetings, regularly check the Explore Asheville website for updates on meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes.
- Explore Asheville Website: The Explore Asheville website is the primary source of information about the Asheville tourism board. It provides details on upcoming meetings, including dates, times, and locations. The website also posts agendas and minutes from previous meetings, allowing you to review the topics discussed and decisions made.
- Email Notifications: Some organizations offer email notifications about upcoming meetings and events. Check if Explore Asheville or the BCTDA offer such a service to receive timely updates.
- Local News Outlets: Local news outlets often report on the activities of the Asheville tourism board. Keep an eye on local newspapers, websites, and television stations for coverage of board meetings and decisions.
6.2 Where Can I Find the Meeting Schedule for the Asheville Tourism Board?
The meeting schedule for the Asheville tourism board can be found on the Explore Asheville website. This resource provides the most accurate and up-to-date information on meeting dates, times, and locations.
- Explore Asheville Website: Visit the Explore Asheville website and navigate to the section on the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA). Here, you should find a calendar or list of upcoming meetings. The schedule typically includes the date, time, location, and agenda for each meeting.
- Contact Sarah Myers: If you have difficulty finding the meeting schedule online, you can contact Sarah Myers directly. She can provide you with the most current information and answer any questions you may have about the board’s activities.
7. How Does the Asheville Tourism Board Promote Sustainable Tourism?
The Asheville tourism board promotes sustainable tourism by supporting initiatives that protect the environment, preserve cultural heritage, and benefit the local community. Sustainable tourism is a key focus for the board.
7.1 What Initiatives Does the Asheville Tourism Board Support to Promote Sustainability?
The Asheville tourism board supports various initiatives to promote sustainability, including conservation efforts, cultural preservation, and community development. These initiatives aim to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to protect the environment and preserve local culture.
- Conservation Efforts: The board supports initiatives that protect natural resources and promote environmental stewardship. This can include funding for land conservation, trail maintenance, and educational programs that raise awareness about environmental issues.
- Cultural Preservation: The board supports initiatives that preserve and promote local culture and heritage. This can include funding for historic preservation, cultural events, and educational programs that celebrate the unique history and traditions of Asheville and Buncombe County.
- Community Development: The board supports initiatives that benefit the local community, such as job training programs, affordable housing initiatives, and support for local businesses. This helps to ensure that tourism benefits everyone in the community, not just those directly involved in the tourism industry.
7.2 How Does the Asheville Tourism Board Balance Tourism with Environmental Protection?
The Asheville tourism board balances tourism with environmental protection by implementing sustainable tourism practices and supporting initiatives that minimize the environmental impact of tourism.
- Sustainable Tourism Practices: The board promotes sustainable tourism practices among local businesses and visitors. This can include encouraging businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and using sustainable materials. It also involves educating visitors about how they can travel responsibly and minimize their impact on the environment.
- Environmental Impact Assessments: The board conducts environmental impact assessments for tourism projects to ensure that they are environmentally sustainable. This helps to identify potential environmental impacts and develop mitigation measures to minimize those impacts.
- Collaboration with Environmental Organizations: The board collaborates with environmental organizations to develop and implement sustainable tourism initiatives. This helps to ensure that the board’s efforts are aligned with the best available science and expertise.
8. What Are the Key Achievements of the Asheville Tourism Board?
The Asheville tourism board has achieved significant milestones in promoting tourism, driving economic growth, and enhancing the visitor experience. These accomplishments highlight the board’s effectiveness and impact.
8.1 What Are Some Notable Accomplishments of the Asheville Tourism Board?
Some notable accomplishments of the Asheville tourism board include increased visitor numbers, successful marketing campaigns, and significant investments in tourism infrastructure.
- Increased Visitor Numbers: The board has successfully increased visitor numbers to Asheville and Buncombe County. This growth is a result of the board’s effective marketing and promotion efforts, which have raised awareness of Asheville as a desirable destination.
- Successful Marketing Campaigns: The board has launched several successful marketing campaigns that have attracted visitors from around the world. These campaigns have highlighted Asheville’s unique attractions, cultural events, and natural beauty, helping to position the city as a premier destination.
- Investments in Tourism Infrastructure: The board has made significant investments in tourism infrastructure, such as new attractions, improved transportation, and enhanced visitor facilities. These investments have helped to improve the visitor experience and make Asheville a more attractive destination.
- Support for Local Businesses: The board has provided significant support to local businesses through marketing, training, and other forms of assistance. This support has helped to strengthen the local economy and create jobs in the tourism industry.
8.2 How Has the Asheville Tourism Board Contributed to Economic Growth in the Region?
The Asheville tourism board has significantly contributed to economic growth in the region by driving increased visitor spending, supporting local businesses, and creating jobs in the tourism industry.
- Increased Visitor Spending: The board’s efforts to attract more visitors to Asheville have resulted in increased visitor spending at local hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions. This spending has a ripple effect throughout the local economy, supporting jobs and generating tax revenues.
- Support for Local Businesses: The board’s support for local businesses has helped to strengthen the local economy and create jobs in the tourism industry. This support includes marketing assistance, training programs, and access to funding.
- Job Creation: The tourism industry is a major employer in Asheville and Buncombe County. The board’s efforts to promote tourism have helped to create and sustain thousands of jobs in the region, providing economic opportunities for local residents.
- Tax Revenue Generation: The board’s activities generate significant tax revenues for local government, which can be used to fund important public services, such as schools, roads, and parks.
9. How Does the Asheville Tourism Board Address Community Concerns?
The Asheville tourism board addresses community concerns by engaging with residents, soliciting feedback, and incorporating community input into its decision-making processes.
9.1 What Measures Does the Asheville Tourism Board Take to Engage with the Community?
The Asheville tourism board engages with the community through public meetings, surveys, and other outreach efforts.
- Public Meetings: The board holds regular public meetings where residents can voice their opinions and concerns about tourism-related issues. These meetings provide a forum for open dialogue and allow the board to hear directly from the community.
- Surveys: The board conducts surveys to gather feedback from residents about their perceptions of tourism and its impact on the community. These surveys help the board to understand community concerns and identify areas where improvements can be made.
- Community Outreach: The board conducts outreach efforts to engage with various segments of the community, such as neighborhood associations, business groups, and cultural organizations. These efforts help the board to build relationships with key stakeholders and ensure that community concerns are addressed in its decision-making processes.
9.2 How Does the Asheville Tourism Board Incorporate Community Feedback into Its Decision-Making?
The Asheville tourism board incorporates community feedback into its decision-making by considering public input, conducting research, and collaborating with community stakeholders.
- Considering Public Input: The board carefully considers public input received through public meetings, surveys, and other channels. This input is used to inform the board’s decisions and ensure that community concerns are addressed.
- Conducting Research: The board conducts research to understand the potential impacts of its decisions on the community. This research helps the board to make informed choices that are in the best interests of the community.
- Collaborating with Community Stakeholders: The board collaborates with community stakeholders, such as neighborhood associations, business groups, and cultural organizations, to develop solutions to community concerns. This collaborative approach helps to ensure that the board’s decisions are supported by the community.
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FAQ about Asheville Tourism Board
Q1: What is the primary goal of the Asheville Tourism Board?
The primary goal of the Asheville Tourism Board is to promote tourism in Asheville and Buncombe County.
Q2: How does the Asheville Tourism Board fund its activities?
The Asheville Tourism Board funds its activities through the occupancy tax, a tax on hotel rooms and short-term rentals.
Q3: Who is eligible to be a member of the Asheville Tourism Board?
Members include hotel owners/operators, tourism business representatives, and city and county council members.
Q4: Where can I find the agenda for upcoming Asheville Tourism Board meetings?
You can find the agenda on the Explore Asheville website.
Q5: How can I contact the Asheville Tourism Board with questions or concerns?
Contact Sarah Myers or visit the Explore Asheville website for more information.
Q6: What is the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF)?
The TPDF provides funding for projects that enhance tourism offerings in Asheville and Buncombe County.
Q7: How does the Asheville Tourism Board support sustainable tourism?
The board supports conservation, cultural preservation, and community development initiatives.
Q8: What are some of the key achievements of the Asheville Tourism Board?
Key achievements include increased visitor numbers and successful marketing campaigns.
Q9: How does the Asheville Tourism Board engage with the local community?
The board engages through public meetings, surveys, and other outreach efforts.
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