Governor Stein Promotes Tourism Recovery in Western North Carolina
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — In a concerted effort to revitalize tourism in western North Carolina following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, Governor Josh Stein is dedicating the week to encouraging visitors back to the area. On Monday, he toured the newly renovated concourse at Asheville Regional Airport, part of the "Remember the Unforgettable" initiative aimed at restoring the region’s tourism appeal.
"We want people to move beyond the memories of flooding and high watermarks," Stein stated. "Water has receded, and the community has rebuilt." The airport serves about 2 million passengers annually, making it a vital hub for tourism.
Jeffrey Burroughs, president of the River Arts District Artists, highlighted the reliance of local artists on tourism for their livelihoods. Despite signs of recovery, the district is still struggling, with gross revenue down between 50% to 80%. Burroughs noted that misinformation on social media may deter potential visitors from understanding the current status of the area.
"This is crucial for us to recover fully," Burroughs added. "We’re striving to thrive, not just sustain." North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the role of tourism in supporting the local economy, stating that approximately 50,000 small business owners contribute to the state’s vibrant travel and tourism sector.
While many artists in the district are reopening, they are eager to showcase their work and foster community connections. "We’ve faced challenges, but they’ve brought us closer together, making our community even more magical," Burroughs concluded.
Governor Stein is scheduled to visit Nantahala National Forest and Transylvania County on Tuesday to further promote tourism across the region, highlighting the importance of continued recovery efforts.
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