As Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) unfurled its new concourse just a month back, it witnessed the arrival of Governor Josh Stein, who spearheaded the "Rediscover the Unforgettable" initiative in Asheville, North Carolina. Governor Stein, flanked by First Lady Stein, took to the podium, urging travelers to explore the enchanting trails of Western North Carolina. "Our mountains are home to unforgettable landscapes, experiences, and people; there’s something here for everyone," Stein remarked, as reported by the Governor's official press release.
Emphasizing the role of Asheville Regional Airport, Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, noted its significance beyond just travel; "This region’s resilience, beauty, and hospitality continue to draw visitors from across the country," said Lilley, addressing the economic impact and the drive to beckon tourists post-Hurricane Helene. This campaign, steered by the Governor and VisitNC, is geared towards reinvigorating the local economies and, is extended to various regional stakeholders which, includes chambers of commerce and tourism boards.
The Governor's office announced that Chimney Rock State Park had reopened to the public, albeit with limited hours, marking a significant milestone in the rebuilding efforts post-Hurricane Helene. With over 2 million passengers traversing through AVL for the second consecutive year, the airport's contributions have been colossal; the airport supports 22,745 jobs and delivers an economic impact of $3.9 billion to western North Carolina, the Governor's press release detailed.
By fall, AVL will host six airlines, featuring direct flights from major cities like Boston, New York, Washington, DC, and Denver. In the wake of these developments, Governor Stein's campaign appears not merely as a call to explore nature's splendor but as a beacon for economic rejuvenation for the small towns and businesses scattered across the mountains of Western North Carolina. "I urge folks from across the country to book their flight and come experience something unforgettable here in western North Carolina," the Governor elucidated, cementing his commitment to the region's resurgence.
