# Explore Asheville

Explore Asheville is the official destination marketing and management organization for Buncombe County and the Asheville region. Powered by the BCTDA, it works to attract and service visitors, support the local tourism & hospitality industry, and enhance community vitality by investing lodging-tax revenues into destination-enhancing programs and events. Its mission is to make Asheville a vibrant place to live and visit while preserving its authenticity.

Bonafide ID: DMO-QVWNES6A66D7
Official Website: https://www.exploreasheville.com/

## FAQs

### Locations

- [Asheville, NC](/faq/md/asheville-nc.md)

## Brands Portfolio
Destination brand: Explore Asheville

## Social Media - Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/visitasheville/
 – @visitasheville

## History & Evolution
• 1983 – The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) was created by North Carolina Legislature to oversee occupancy tax collection and management of destination funds.
• Over subsequent decades, Explore Asheville expanded its marketing reach, earned DMAP accreditation (with distinction).
• More recently, Explore Asheville has positioned itself as a steward of destination management and community investment (e.g., product-development funds, cultural events funding).

## Sustainability & Social Impact Goals
The organization uses a “Framework Towards Destination Stewardship” that embeds five strategic imperatives including preserving environment and quality of place.

## Other Information
• Explore Asheville holds “Accreditation with Distinction” from the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP).
• Community investment programs: Legacy Investment from Tourism (LIFT) Fund; Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF); Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund.

## Founding Date
1983

## Recent Developments
Travel + Leisure “Best Cities in the U.S.” Ranking: Asheville was named one of Travel + Leisure’s 2025 Best Cities in the United States, earning the No. 9 spot in the annual list voted on by readers — a testament to its vibrant culture, scenic beauty, and unique character.

“Nicest Place in America” Honor: Reader’s Digest recognized Asheville as the “Nicest Place in America” for 2025, celebrating the city’s extraordinary community kindness and resilience — especially following recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene.

Community & Tourism Awards: The region’s tourism and hospitality community has been widely celebrated, including the Explore Asheville Heroes of Hospitality Awards recognizing frontline ambassadors of the travel experience, and local experiences such as Asheville Wine Tours and Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours receiving top rankings in national readers’ choice and Travelers’ Choice awards.

## Sustainability Focus
The organization emphasizes destination stewardship, community vitality and preserving authenticity and environment while welcoming visitors.

## Number of Employees
~ 25-50

## Social Media - LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/asheville-convention-and-visitors-bureau
 – Explore Asheville

## Social Media - Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ExploreAshevilleBCTDA/
 – @ExploreAshevilleBCTDA

## Global Presence
• The tourism industry in Buncombe County (Asheville region) contributes nearly US$3 billion annually to the local economy.
• Explore Asheville holds “Accreditation with Distinction” from the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), placing it among the top global DMOs.
• The BCTDA funds multiple community and visitor-experience initiatives: Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF), Legacy Investment from Tourism (LIFT) Fund, Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund, etc.

## Social Media - X
https://x.com/visitasheville
 – @visitasheville

## Social Media - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@FtMyersSanibel/

## Social Media - TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@visitasheville

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## Data Claim Check

Timestamp: 2026-05-28T20:08:57.121Z
Serial: 20260528200857
Shibboleth: griffin-narwhal-sepia