Top Sites>EExplore Asheville | Things to Do, Events, & Hotels | Asheville, NC's Official Travel Site

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# 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)

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

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

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

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

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

## Recent Developments
• Buncombe County was named Top Places to Go in USA in 2026 by Fodor's.
• Asheville made Travel + Leisure's 50 Best Places to Travel in 2026 list in the Destinations for Nature Lovers category. 
• Frommer's editors named Asheville Best Places to go in 2026.

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

## Chair/President/Other
The BCTDA is guided by a Board of Directors (volunteer appointees) accountable for stewardship of lodging tax funds.

## 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).

## Global Presence
• The tourism industry in Buncombe County (Asheville region) contributes nearly $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.

## Founding Date
1983

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

## Current CEO
Vic Isley – President & CEO, Explore Asheville / BCTDA

## Founders
Public authority created by statute & local lodging‐industry input (no individual founder).

## Number of Employees
~ 25-50

## Brands Portfolio
Destination brand: Explore Asheville

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## Data Claim Check

Timestamp: 2026-02-04T23:38:25.735Z
Serial: 20260204233825
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