How may we help you? Tourism’s future in the hands of frontline workers

fr hospitality2It’s a conundrum the best minds in tourism have been trying to crack for decades.

Trout Capital, North Carolina: Jackson County pushes to land unique designation

out frJackson County is on its way to becoming the trout capital of North Carolina after county leaders unveiled a plan last week that’s been in the works since last summer. 

“Anything that we can do to encourage tourists to come to Jackson County we ought to try to do, and I think we already recognize that we have this remarkable resource in Jackson County — the public waterways. It’s already being utilized and is such a treasure in Jackson County,” said County Commission Chairman Brian McMahan, who spearheaded the effort with Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Director Julie Spiro. “It just makes sense to try to do what we can to further enhance it and to promote it.”

Maggie Valley town center faces opposition

fr maggiecenterThere was a palpable sense of excitement in the air when Maggie Valley first unveiled its town center master plan. But with a couple of weeks to mull it over, some business owners are concerned the plan may have unintended and adverse consequences.

Bryson City to keep Fry Street open

fr frystreetAlderwoman Heidi Woodard’s motion for the town to abandon the right-of-way on Fry Street was met with silence at Monday night’s Bryson City board meeting, but town leaders say that doesn’t mean the issue is dead.

Cherokee re-examines adventure park idea

fr adventureparkAfter four years of hibernation, Cherokee’s plan to build a one-of-a-kind family adventure park is back on the table.

Maggie Valley should make town center happen

op frWhen small towns think and act big, amazing things can happen. Anyone who has traveled has come across communities that have taken risks and been rewarded for it, vibrant small towns that are just fun to visit.

I think the town center plan currently being studied in Maggie Valley fits that description.

Haywood visitor center makes the move to Maggie

fr visitorcenterThe primary visitor center for Haywood County will be moving this spring from downtown Waynesville to Maggie Valley.

Residents promote Franklin as outdoor destination

out frFranklin residents have taken it upon themselves to get the word out about the town’s recognition as the “Top Small Town” by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine. 

SEE ALSO: Franklin focuses on making town more walkable

Since the award was announced in November, the big question has been how to capitalize on the designation and bring more visitors to town. Because the award is given out each year, time is of the essence to spread the good word.

NOC considering Dillsboro location

fr NOCIf discussions between Nantahala Outdoor Center and Jackson County continue to move forward, the outdoor recreation giant could start work this year on an adventure park and outfitter store in the tiny town of Dillsboro. 

Tourism board contemplates firing web manager

jacksonEvery month, the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority shells out $2,650 to keep its website updated, get it to show up prominently in search results and analyze digital traffic.

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