Partner Newsletter | August 12, 2026

Only a Few Spots Left
for the Summer Social

Registration is filling up quickly for the Explore Asheville Summer Social. Join us next week, Tuesday, August 18, from 3–6 p.m., for an afternoon of networking and celebrating the summer season with fellow travel and hospitality partners.

We're excited to gather in the beautifully restored S&W Building, a 1929 Art Deco landmark in the heart of downtown Asheville. Sample fresh flavors from newer market vendors Baba Nahm and Dooogh, along with a variety of options from S&W tenures Buxton Chicken Palace, Farm Dogs, The Hop Ice Cream, and Zen Sushi. Sip craft cocktails and unique beverages from Periscope, the market's mezzanine bar—all under one iconic roof full of Asheville history.

Registration is Open for the 2026 Explore Asheville & Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority's Annual Meeting

Travel and hospitality partners, community leaders, and colleagues are invited to attend Explore Asheville and the BCTDA's Annual Meeting. Join us as we recognize and celebrate the ongoing efforts made together throughout the past year to rebound and propel our region forward. 

  • Keynote speaker, Adam Sacks, founder and president of Tourism Economics, is an expert on measuring the economic impact of visitor activity, work that regularly informs national and local government policy
  • 27th annual William A.V. Cecil Award will be revealed and recognized
  • 2026 Legacy Investment from Tourism Fund awardees announced

Stick around after the presentation to enjoy live music, tasty bites, craft beverages, and valuable networking with industry colleagues and friends.

Free Workshop for Small Businesses
Ahead of Tournament Week

The Western North Carolina Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the Buncombe County Strategic Coalition invite you to Driving Connections, an evening of networking and practical public relations strategies designed to help local businesses increase visibility during the tournament and build momentum long after the final putt.

The workshop is Friday, August 28, from 5–7 p.m. at WCU Biltmore Park, Room 346, 28 Schenck Parkway, and is free and open to small businesses across Western North Carolina.

New Play Through the Mountains
Landing Page is Live

Explore Deals, Map, & Itineraries Now Available to Visitors

The new Play Through the Mountains landing page is live, with instructions for visitors who want to play along, a map linking to curated itineraries for specific neighborhoods across the county, and a grid of all deals and packages going live during Biltmore Championship Asheville Week. 

Partner Portal offers are still being accepted until tournament week—they'll get added to the landing page as they come in. The July 24 deadline for inclusion in itineraries has passed, but the offers page remains open to new listings.

To get your offer listed, submit a special, discount, or package through the Explore Asheville Partner Portal and select "Biltmore Championship Asheville" as the category. View the step-by-step guide here. 

Need help marketing your offer once it's live? Check out the Biltmore Championship Asheville Partner Toolkit for guidance on getting the word out.

Biltmore Championship Asheville is committed to making a lasting impact in the Greater Asheville area through several community initiatives:

Birdies for Charity

An opportunity for nonprofits across Western North Carolina to solicit donations from PGA TOUR supporters, keep 100% of funds raised, and receive a share of a tournament-funded $50,000 bonus pool. Registration closes August 28.

Grant Program

The second cycle of this grant program is opening soon for Buncombe County nonprofits whose work supports initiatives in Community Well-Being. Two grants of $10,000 are awarded through the program, and the application will open September 1. 

Biltmore Championship Asheville Community Impact Handout

Biltmore Championship Asheville recently published a single overview of all of its community initiatives, grants, ticket and recognition programs, and more. Click below to learn about all the ways you can benefit from the tournament's community initiatives.

New: Partner News Collection Form

Our Public Relations team wants to hear what's new with you! Submit new (or coming soon) offerings through the link below to help inform our media outreach. 

Volunteer with the
Asheville Visitor Center

The Asheville Visitor Center is looking for friendly, outgoing volunteers to welcome visitors, share local expertise, and help guests make the most of their Asheville experience. With flexible shifts, seven days a week, it’s a great way to connect with people and showcase all that Asheville has to offer.

Interested? Email Amy Jackson at ajackson@ashevillechamber.org.

Welcome to Our 31 Newest Partners!

UPCOMING FESTIVALS & CULTURAL EVENTS

AUG 13–15

AUG 15, 22, 29

AUG 15–16

Asheville Quilt Show

Shindig on the Green

Come to Leicester Artists Studio Tour

SEP 4–6

SEP 4–26

SEP 11–13

Boomtown Arts & Heritage FestAVL

Romeo & Juliet

Asheville Goombay Festival

These events are the latest recipients of Explore Asheville's Event Support Funds. To learn more about eligibility requirements for our sponsorship programs, click here.

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