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Explore Asheville highlights recovery work, grants and new multi-year PGA event in 2026 report
Summary
Explore Asheville presented its annual report to the county, citing $2.2 million raised and distributed through the Always Asheville Fund after Helene, about $67 million in direct spending from 480 events, $12.4 million awarded to eight tourism product projects (including $4 million for Beacon Park), and a PGA Tour agreement at Walnut Cove starting Sept. 2026.
Vic Eiseley, representing Explore Asheville and the Tourism Development Authority, told commissioners on Jan. 6 that the tourism sector remains central to Buncombe County’s recovery and economic strategy after Tropical Storm Helene.
Eiseley said Explore Asheville raised and distributed more than $2,200,000 through the Always Asheville Fund to support area small businesses after the storm and that the authority awarded $12,400,000…
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