About Explore Asheville
Who we are
Explore Asheville & the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA)
Explore Asheville is Buncombe County’s Destination Management Organization (DMO). We inspire travelers to visit the area and support our tourism and hospitality industry, which contributes nearly $3 billion annually to the local economy. As stewards of the destination, we promote and support local businesses, which enhances the quality of place for residents.
Explore Asheville is powered by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA), a public body created in 1983 by the North Carolina Legislature. BCTDA oversees the collection and investment of occupancy taxes, which are paid by travelers who stay in commercial lodging establishments like hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. The BCTDA Board of Directors ensures that lodging tax dollars are spent as outlined in the law.
Our Mission
To be a leader in the economic development of Buncombe County by attracting and servicing visitors, generating income, jobs and tax revenues, which make the community a better place to live and visit.
Our Vision
Asheville/Buncombe County will retain its unique, authentic and environmental charm while welcoming global visitors searching for personal enrichment and memorable experiences.
View Upcoming BCTDA Meetings Schedule
Want to connect? Attend our next industry event or board meeting.
Meet the Staff
Have a question about the BCTDA? Explore Asheville staff can help!
Tourism Partner Resources
Wondering how to get plugged in to Explore Asheville services? Visit our Tourism Partners page for details.
Accreditation with distinction
Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP)
Explore Asheville earned its reaccreditation eight years after first receiving the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) seal from Destinations International. The DMAP seal is awarded in recognition of the organization’s commitment to industry excellence and meeting the industry standard for performance and accountability of destination organizations around the world. Explore Asheville was awarded “Accreditation with Distinction”, the highest possible recognition for a destination organization. “With Distinction” indicates that the organization exceeded the minimum requirements for accreditation and that the independent DMAP Board found no opportunities for the organization to improve its responses to the required standards.
The accreditation program requires a destination organization to successfully comply with a multitude of mandatory and voluntary standards that span a variety of performance areas to gain this momentous achievement. The standards cover nearly all aspects related to the management and marketing of destination organizations including governance, finance, human resources, sales, communications, destination development and research. Explore Asheville is among over 200 destination organizations who have obtained DMAP recognition, fewer than 10% of which earned “Accreditation with Distinction.”