In This Issue | July 19, 2023
Partner Q&A Training Hour | Expanded Diversity Designations | Business Plastic Reduction Survey | Welcome New Partners | Who's Coming to Town | Mark Your Calendar | National Spotlights
WEEKLY WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITY
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| Improve Your Listing in Our Partner Q&A Training Hour |
Updating your account has never been easier! Join our new Partner Q&A Training Hour every Friday on Zoom from 11 am to 12 pm. Drop in anytime to troubleshoot issues and ask questions about your account with Explore Asheville.
Charlie Reed, our Community Engagement Assistant, can share tips for keeping your listings up-to-date and walk you through the following and more:
- How to access your account
- How to update your business description
- How to update your images
- How to add social media links
- How to add amenities
- How to create packages and deals
- How to add events to the Explore Asheville calendar
RSVP for any session or just log in to learn how to improve your Explore Asheville account. Fridays won’t fit into your schedule? We are still hosting One-on-One sessions on Wednesdays.
We hope you’ll join us for the first Partner Q&A Training Hour on Friday, July 28.
| RSVP for Partner Q+A Training Hour |
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PARTNER RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
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| Diversity Designations Now Expanded on Our Website |
As part of Explore Asheville's commitment to Engaging and Inviting More Diverse Audiences, we have expanded the Diversity Designation selection to be more inclusive of the people and identities that comprise our industry and community. These designations now include the following options (you may select all designations you identify with):
- Asian Pacific-Owned
- Black-Owned
- Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx-Owned
- LGBTQ+-Owned
- Native American-Owned
- Subcontinent Asian Pacific-Owned
- Veteran-Owned
- Woman-Owned
Please take a moment to log into your Explore Asheville account and update your Diversity Designation. If you need assistance logging into your account, or if you would like us to make the update for you, please reach out to our partner support.
| Update Your Diversity Designations |
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The City of Asheville has reopened its Plastic Reduction Survey to specifically hear from Asheville businesses who use plastic bags and/or styrofoam™ containers, low and moderate income residents, residents of color, and renters. The survey will remain open until it gathers input from audiences that could be most affected by a new ordinance.
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Our Business Development team ended the last fiscal year on a high note, with 400 events and 75,817 room nights booked. Their efforts were estimated to generate $70.8M in direct spending. Way to go team!
Through the remainder of July, Explore Asheville is expected to generate more than a $1.3M economic impact by attracting large groups to Buncombe County. Our sales team tailors each visit so that all guests have a quality experience and gain access to meet and support local businesses, makers, and community members.
Groups in Town with Over 350 Attendees
July 20–22 | Love Shine Play Yoga Festival | 1,500 attendees
July 29–30 | 2023 Blue Ridge Classic | 600 attendees
July 28–30 | Asheville Open Tennis Championship (Junior) | 500 attendees
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| Celebrate Summer with Us at The Restoration Hotel |
| The Summer Social is Back August 1, from 4 to 7 pm |
Our Summer Social is back! Celebrate the summer with an evening of social connection at the recently opened Restoration Hotel. The rooftop will be activated with live DJs, local vendors, tasty bites, and custom cocktails. Attendees will also have the opportunity to receive a courtesy hotel tour throughout the event.
To give back locally, we've partnered with Buncombe County Schools to host an art supply drive. Organizations and individuals who bring gently used or new supplies will be entered in a raffle to win a gift card to The Exchange.
For those looking to keep the party going, we'll be moving the festivities down to The Draftsman, The Restoration's underground bar and game room, around 7:30 pm.
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The Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund Grant Program is designed to provide financial support for events that serve both the residents of Buncombe County and the visitors who travel to the Asheville area. Upcoming events include:
Is your organization or business hosting an event this summer? Don't forget to submit it to the Explore Asheville Calendar at least 10 days in advance. |
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The regular monthly meeting of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) will take place in the board room of the Explore Asheville office beginning at 9 am, Wednesday, July 26. All board meetings are open to the public, and the agenda will be posted 48 hours in advance. Following the meeting, all materials will be posted here.
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- Outside Magazine | Best Things To Do in Asheville, From Local Experts
- Remezcla | Tony J Finds Balance in Things That Bring Him Joy in Asheville, North Carolina
- The Points Guy | From Santa Fe to Taipei: 12 Underrated LBGTQIA+ Friendly Destinations to Visit in 2023
- Travel + Leisure | Everyone to the Table
- Architectural Digest | The Vanderbilt Family Homes: Here's Your Guide
EXPLORE ASHEVILLE'S STRATEGIC PILLARS
Delivering Balanced Recovery & Sustainable Growth | Encouraging Safe & Responsible Travel |
Engaging & Inviting More Diverse Audiences | Promoting & Supporting Asheville's Creative Spirit
| Follow Our Progress |
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