Governor Josh Stein Tours Western North Carolina To Boost Tourism

This week, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is touring Western North Carolina, engaging in various tourism activities to promote the “Rediscover the Unforgettable” advertising campaign.

Stein began his tour at the Asheville Regional Airport to highlight the airport's importance to the regional economy. In 2024, Asheville Regional Airport celebrated its second consecutive year surpassing 2 million passengers, with 2,174,125 travelers. According to the North Carolina Division of Aviation economic impact report, Asheville Regional Airport supports 22,745 jobs, over $1 billion in personal income for the region, and $3.9 billion in economic impact for western North Carolina.

“Travelers often take their first steps into western North Carolina right here at Asheville Regional Airport,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our mountains are home to unforgettable landscapes, experiences, and people; there’s something here for everyone. I urge folks from across the country to book their flight and come experience something unforgettable here in western North Carolina.”

VisitNC and Governor Stein are working to promote the “Rediscover the Unforgettable” in western North Carolina as the region recovers from Hurricane Helene. The kickoff for this advertising campaign was the reopening of Chimney Rock State Park. The campaign is collaborating with local chambers of commerce, tourism boards, and small businesses to promote Western North Carolina, supporting the regional economy's full recovery from Hurricane Helene.

Over the weekend, as part of this publicity effort, Stein toured the River Arts District and some local breweries to highlight the progress toward full recovery.