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Explore Asheville Packages & Deals Policy Update
Updates to Category Limits and Promotional Guidelines
Explore Asheville is updating the Packages & Deals Policy for listings on ExploreAsheville.com. These changes are designed to keep listings on our Packages & Deals pages fresh, time-bound, and valuable for visitors who are planning trips to the Asheville area and Buncombe County.
The updated policy takes effect today, June 1, 2026.
What's Changing
Maximum of Three Active Deals Per Offer Category
Each business may have up to three active deals per category at one time. This helps keep the pages balanced. For example, a business could have up to:
- Three active lodging packages
- Three active Biltmore packages
- Three active Food & Drink offers
- ...etc.
Listing Duration Requirements
All listings must represent a defined, time-bound promotional offer with a clear start and end date. Listings that reflect ongoing, everyday offerings instead of a limited-time promotion will not be approved. Offers with very long date ranges may be denied if they appear to function as ongoing standard offerings. In most cases, offers should reflect seasonal, event-based, or limited-time promotions.
Clear Promotional Value Required
Packages and deals should give visitors a clear reason to book, visit, or engage with your business during a specific timeframe. Listings should provide meaningful promotional value beyond standard day-to-day operations, always-available amenities, or permanent discounts.
What To Do Next
1. Review Your Active Packages and Deals Listings:
- Log in to the Partner Portal and review your active deals
- Ask yourself:
- Does each offer represent a clear, time-bound promotion?
- Is each offer meaningfully different from your standard pricing or offerings?
- Do I have more than three active deals in any one category?
2. Update Listings that Do Not Meet the New Policy:
- Deadline to update current Packages and Deals listings to comply with the new policy: Tuesday, June 30
- After that, listings that do not meet requirements may be removed from ExploreAsheville.com. Partners will receive a reminder before any removals.
Policy Implementation Timeline
June 1: New Packages and Deals Policy effective for all new offers submitted in the Partner Portal
June 15: Explore Asheville begins reviewing active listings and reaching out directly to partners if needed
June 30: Deadline to update existing Packages and Deals listings
July 1: Non-compliant listings may be removed from ExploreAsheville.com
Review: What Qualifies Going Forward
| Likely to be approved | Unlikely to be approved |
|
Seasonal or limited-time promotions Special pricing not available year-round Packages tied to festivals, events, or seasons Partnerships with local experiences during a defined period Recurring weekly specials (e.g., Wine Wednesday) when submitted with defined dates |
Standard, everyday pricing or offerings Year-round or always-on promotions without defined dates Complimentary amenities included with all stays or visits More than three active deals in the same category Standing discounts (military, AAA, etc.)* |
*Standing discounts (military, AAA, etc.) belong on your business listing, not the Deals page. To add them: Partner Portal > Profile > Accounts > Green Arrow > Manage Amenities.
Questions or Need Help?
- Questions about the new policy? Contact partnersupport@exploreasheville.com.
- Need help submitting a package or deal? Read the guide here.
- Want to review the full policy? Find the document here.
Thank you for partnering with Explore Asheville and helping visitors discover meaningful experiences in our community!
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