Tourism Tidbits February 20, 2020 A bi-weekly newsletter from HCTDA

Say I Do to Hendersonville Bridal Show Update

The preparations for the second annual Say I Do to Hendersonville Bridal Show are moving along with over 30 vendors participating and counting. The show will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2020 in the Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall from 10 am - 4 pm. The Bridal Show will feature a wide variety of local wedding industry businesses all under one roof, to make wedding planning a breeze. Excited couples coordinating their big day will be treated to a myriad of wedding products and services for the perfect day. Bridal Shows are great place for brides, grooms and their families to learn about what local options are available to personalize their wedding. Guests will see, touch, taste, and hear all about how to plan their day special. Admission is $5 per person at the door. The Bridal Show is being promoted in Our State magazine, The Laurel of Asheville, WNC Magazine, Destination Magazine, WTZQ, 828.com, social media and through press releases to regional media. There is a dedicated wedding page on the Visitor Center web site, listing the participates and their web links, https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/weddings. Check back often for show updates. There are still vendor spots available, for information contact Amy Boswell by calling 828-693-9708 or via email events@visithendersonvillenc.org.

VisitNC’s TRAC coming to Polk County On February 27, tourism-related businesses in Columbus and Polk County - plus the surrounding counties - will have an opportunity to work with Visit North Carolina staff to learn about its research, development and marketing services, and discuss best practices for reaching travelers, the media and increasing tourism visitation and spending. Visit North Carolina's Tourism Resource Assistance Center (TRAC) is a community-based training program designed to help small tourism-related businesses. TRAC will be held 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Polk Center at Isothermal Community College at 1255 W. Mills St. in Columbus. There is no charge to attend, no reservation is required, and there is no PowerPoint presentation. This is a come-when-you-can/stay-as-long-as-you-like event opportunity for all tourism-related businesses to meet one-on-one with program managers to discuss better ways to promote their property or event. TRAC brings Visit North Carolina's program managers to local communities to discuss the nuts and bolts of working with the organization. This invaluable program is designed to help tourism-related businesses engage more fully with programs offered by Visit North Carolina and its partners. Representatives from the EDPNC's BLNC, N.C. Welcome Centers/Visitor Services, N.C. State Parks, Agritourism, and NC GreenTravel are often on hand to discuss services they can provide businesses, including strategic planning, assisting with identifying funding sources and serving as liaisons with other local, state and federal agencies. For additional information on this session or to learn more about scheduling a TRAC visit to your community, contact Visit NC's Andre Nabors, andre.nabors@visitnc.com or 919-447-7771.

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Contact Us 201 S. Main St. Hendersonville, NC 28792

(828) 693-9708 tourism@visithendersonvillenc.org Fax (828) 697-4996 www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.org Facebook.com/VisitHendersonvilleNC

Vote for Sierra Nevada Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is among the nominees for the 2020 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice contests in the Best Brewery Tour category. Voting ENDS ON March 27th. The public can vote once per day, per category. https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-brewery-tour-2020/

HCTDA Upcoming Events • TDA Board Meeting / February 25 / 1pm / Visitor Center • Group Sales Forum – February 27 / Visitor Center • Tourism After Five – March 12 / Best Western • Say I Do to Hendersonville Bridal Show – March 21

Blue Ridge National Heritage Area’s Henderson County Craft Trails

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area’s Blue Ridge Craft Trails, in Henderson County brochure is available at the Hendersonville Visitor Center or online at https://www.visithendersonvillenc.org/wp-content/uploads/Blue-Ridge-Craft-Trails-Henderson-County.pdf The profiles of participating sites are on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails website, BlueRidgeCraftTrails.com. The new map brochure with the itineraries is being distributed at the Hendersonville Visitor Center, stop by and pick-up a supply for your guests. Funding for the project was provided by Community Foundation of Henderson County, Henderson County Tourism Development Authority, Appalachian Regional Commission, The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, and Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.

2020 Prospering Conference Blue Ridge Community College Small Business Center is hosting their 2020 Prospering Conference on March 10th in the Conference Hall from 8:00am-5:00pm. Enhance your business development skills for higher revenue, and connect to more potential customers. Business leaders will provide FREE training for business owners and entrepreneurs to grow, expand, and navigate challenging adversity. Branding, marketing, SEO, social media, financial & strategic planning, and leadership are key topics. Click for more information and to register, https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=50400009.

Tourism After Five Join the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority for Tourism After Five on Thursday, March 12th from 5-7pm at Best Western Hendersonville Inn, located at 105 Sugarloaf Road, Hendersonville. The hotel has recently been updated. Take a tour of the property and meet the staff. Tourism After Five is a popular social and networking event offered in a casual atmosphere. Bring plenty of business cards to pass along to your new contacts! Kindly RSVP to Julie Hayes, HCTDA Outreach Coordinator, via email outreach@visithendersonvillenc.org or by calling 828-693-9708.

Media Spotlight • The Laurel of Asheville – HVL Bridal Show • WNC Magazine – HVL Bridal Show • Orlando Magazine -

https://www.orlandomagazine.com/travel-the-simple-life

Congratulations Highland Lake Inn Highland Lake Inn is the recipient of the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce 2019 Environmental Sustainability Award. By implementing a multitude of environmental and sustainability initiatives they have accomplished among many other notable achievements, a 3.5% year over your decrease in energy consumption.