July 23, 2021

JOIN US FOR TWO PARTNER EVENTS

Webinar: Responsible Travel & Sustainability in Tourism
Plus: Summer Social & Sustainability Resource Fair

One of Explore Asheville's four strategic imperatives is Encourage Safe & Responsible Travel. As part of this commitment, we're hosting two events for partners on Tuesday, August 3 on how you can take part in these efforts.

Responsible Travel & Sustainability in Tourism Webinar
Via Zoom from 10 – 11:15 a.m.
RSVP here

Summer Social & Sustainability Resource Fair
Highland Brewing from 4 – 6 p.m.
RSVP here

Meet Our Webinar Keynote: Tourism Cares' Chief Experience Officer

We'll kick off our jam-packed August 3 webinar on "Responsible Travel & Sustainability in Tourism" with the Chief Experience Officer, Jessica Flores, for Tourism Cares, a nonprofit organization known for bringing together all sectors within the travel industry to create positive change.

What started with relief and revitalization volunteer efforts has grown into involvement and investment in social and environmental impact organizations that provide real and sustainable change and many direct economic benefits for communities worldwide. Jessica, named one of the “Rising Stars: Top 100 Young Professionals in Travel,” will share more.

Local Tourism Partners Weigh In

We'll end the webinar with more inspiration – this time from local tourism partners who are embracing sustainability measures in their businesses. Tune in to hear from:

• Asheville Tea Company Founder & CEO Jessie Dean
• Highland Brewing Company President & CEO Leah Ashburn (also a board member with Buncombe County TDA)
• Mandara Hospitality Group (Posana, Bargello, and District 42) Co-Owner & Executive Chef Peter Pollay
• WNC Photo Tours Owner & Photographer J Smilanic
• Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins Co-Owner Shelton Steele

In between, the Explore Asheville Marketing and Sales teams will provide an update on related initiatives and how you can can take part in these efforts. Join us!

Summer Social & Sustainability Resource Fair (in person!)

Here's a fun fact: Highland Brewing has the 6th largest solar array of all independent, craft breweries in the USA and the 22nd largest brewery solar array in the world!

That makes it a perfect location for our in-person Summer Social on the afternoon of August 3, 4 - 6 p.m. Bring your own inspiration, thoughts, and ideas following the morning's webinar to share with fellow tourism partners.

Plus, several local organizations focused on sustainability and the environment will be on hand to offer suggestions on ways your business can become involved. Sign up today! (Note: Registration for the Summer Social is separate from registration for the webinar, so be sure to register for both!)

Blue Ridge Parkway photo by Rob Travis