Western North Carolina will be featured on a new tourism map jointly produced by the National Geographic Society and Appalachian Regional Commission, a federally established entity that supports social and economic development in the Appalachian region.

“The maps recognize and promote Appalachia as a national treasure,” said Gov. Mike Easley in a recently released statement. “They send the clear message that Western North Carolina is open for business and continues to be a great place to visit. This initiative helps bolster travel and tourism industries in our mountains as they continue to recover from last year’s storms.”

The North Carolina sites will be part of a campaign promoting Appalachia, which begins with a Web site launched March 15. The address for that site is www.nationalgeographic.com/applachia.

A print version of the map will be available by the first of April. The printed map will be inserted in the April issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine and delivered to more than 900,000 subscribers nationwide. Maps will also be offered to area schools and libraries.