Weekly e-newsletter for Visit NC partners, October 19, 2022

IN THIS ISSUE:

* Registration now open for

2023 Visit NC Tourism Conference

* Cycle NC Mountains to Coast ride rolls through the state; Visit NC excursions provide more things to do

* N.C.-filmed ‘The Peripheral’ debuts

 this Friday on Prime Video

Registration now open for 2023 Visit NC Tourism Conference

Registrationis now open for the 2023 Visit NC Tourism Conference (formerly known as the Visit NC 365 conference). The 2023 conference will be in Asheville Monday, March 6 - Wednesday, March 8. The Visit NC Tourism Conference brings together more than 500 of the state's tourism industry professionals from destinations, hotels, attractions and other sectors during this three-day event. Get discounted conference registrationwith the Early Bird rate, which is $475/person now throughJan. 8.

The conference will be at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville. Thehotel blockis also now open for registered attendees. The accommodations conference rate is $259/night (before taxes, fees and incidentals).

While the full program is still in development, you can find the latest details, registration and hotel information, here.

Sponsorship opportunitiesare also available, offering a wide range of new options. Contactsponsorships@visitnc.comfor more information. 

Cycle NC Mountains to Coast ride rolls through the state, Visit NC excursions provide more things to do

More than 800 cyclists from 39 states – plus Washington, D.C., Ontario, Quebec, Germany, and France – participated in Cycle NC’s 23rd AnnualMountains to Coast Ride. This year the ride was shortened due to Hurricane Ian but still overnighted in six towns across the state while passing through several more.

For the sixth year, Visit NC sponsored theexcursions. These daily excursions gave participants and those traveling with them the opportunity to take a break from the ride and experience North Carolina. Participants varied from cyclists wanting a day off to rest their legs or simply explore different areas of the state, to friends/family of the cyclists who weren't riding but were traveling with the group. A dedicated motorcoach departed from the overnight host city in the morning and stopped at a few attractions and a destination for lunch each day before arriving at the next overnight host city in the late afternoon. Participants paid a fee to help offset costs to the attractions that hosted them. Participants also had the opportunity to shop and learn more about the state for future visits. This was an opportunity to spread the economic impact of the Cycle NC ride to many more communities on or near the route of the ride.

Visit North Carolina is a founding sponsor of Cycle North Carolina's Mountains to Coast, Fall and Spring rides. Cycle North Carolina offers one of the largest cross-state bicycle tours in the United States. The three annual rides are designed to promote North Carolina's scenic beauty while providing substantial economic impact to small towns across the state.

N.C.-filmed ‘The Peripheral’ debuts this Friday on Prime Video

The first episode of the N.C.-filmed series “The Peripheral” premieres this Friday on Prime Video. Part of the production filmed in western North Carolina, with Marshall being heavily used. The project is expected to have hada direct in-state spend of $24 million. It was approved for a N.C. Film and Entertainment Grant. View the trailerhere.

Madison historic store featured this week in paranormal series

The historic building now housing Madison Dry Goods in Madison isfeatured in the Netflix series “28 Days Haunted” in an episode slated to debut this Friday. Built in 1908, the building has been home to a variety of businesses including a hotel, funeral home and hardware; today, it's a general store with a museum. The Madison Dry Goods site is one of three locations featured in the program, along with sites in Colorado and Connecticut.

Top travel priorities for Americans continue to be having fun and relaxation. In terms of what it means to relax while traveling, the majority of respondents said being in a quiet/peaceful location, beach time, chilling out poolside, enjoying culinary experiences, and luxury hotel experiences. Millennials are more likely to consider being physically active as relaxing, while Gen Z are more likely than other generations to find shopping relaxing.

Haywood County TDA seeking new executive director

The Haywood County TDA is seeking a new executive director, as Lynn Collins is retiring later this year. Information on the position is availablehere. The position is open until filled.

Carowinds will be open year-round starting next year

For the first time in nearly 50 years, Carowinds will be open year-round next year, the park announced yesterday (Tuesday). The new schedule will begin next year with the 2023 season. The amusement park’s calendar shows the park open on the weekends until March, when it opens on Thursdays and Fridays as well; the park will be open seven days a week starting in June. “The biggest reasoning for year round operation is to be a great partner with our community and our travel and tourism communities,” said Carowinds' Courtney Weber. The only drawback is some thrill rides can’t operate when it is too cold.

‘Quiet Allure of Black Mountain’  

In its Sunday Travel section, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution noted the “Quiet Allure of Black Mountain.” The article explained, in part, “Black Mountain's four-block downtown shopping and cultural district may be dwarfed by its sister city to the west, but there's no questioning the depth of its roots in the arts and culture of Appalachia... Once you've had enough of civilization, it's time to explore the natural beauty in and around Black Mountain.”

‘Sylva: A Cool Mountain Town You Might Be Missing’

Garden & Gun offered a profile of Sylva this week in “Sylva: A Cool Mountain Town You Might Be Missing.” The article noted, in part, “Sylva is small... but well worth a road trip. Crowds are thinner than in other well-trodden Western North Carolina towns, and Sylva itself has a charming Hallmark movie vibe, with murals gracing the historic buildings and the former Jackson County courthouse perched on a hill above Main Street (it now houses the public library). There’s also a strong sense of place… The downtown area flourishes with independent bookshops, antique stores, coffee shops, public art, and elevated restaurants, all in proximity to hikes and overlooks.”

Asheville, Inn at Rodanthe Trip Idea suggestions

Travel + Leisure highlighted North Carolina with two stories recently via its Trip Ideas. "How to Plan the Perfect Asheville, North Carolina Getaway” provided suggestions for things to do, when to go and where to stay. The article opened with “Asheville, North Carolina is the very definition of a ‘breath of fresh air.’ The city, tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains, delivers on southern hospitality in droves. With stellar views, cultural attractions, a long summer season, plentiful accommodations, and multiple breweries to kick back a pint, it’s where every kind of traveler can find their slice of paradise.”

In a separate online story, “51 Most Romantic Places for a Getaway in the USA,” T+L chose the Inn at Rodanthe as the selection for North Carolina, noting “Couples that love tearjerker romance flicks should visit the inn from 'Nights in Rodanthe.' The building on stilts inspired a Nicholas Sparks novel, which then inspired the movie starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane.”

‘North Carolina Weekend’

For the week of Oct. 20, "North Carolina Weekend” offers a few of the favorite segments of one of their storytellers, John Litschke, who died this past spring. Featured segments include Linney’s Mill in Union Grove; RiverGirl Fishing Company in Todd; Turtle Island Preserve in Boone; a profile of Traphill; and Qualla Arts and Crafts in Cherokee. (Check local listings for schedule; segments are subject to change.) "North Carolina Weekend" is underwritten by Visit North Carolina. In addition, PBS North Carolina has recent editions of "North Carolina Weekend" available online. 

Upcoming industry meetings & events

Oct. 24-27 –TEAMS Conference, Oklahoma City, Okla.

Nov. 7-9 -World Travel Market, London

Nov. 8 – Visit NC monthly webinar: Year of the Trail and other NCDNCR Initiatives in 2023

Nov. 13-16 - NTA Travel Exchange, Reno, Nev.

Nov. 16-17 – NCTIA Tourism Leadership Conference, Charlotte

Nov. 17 – Visit NC TRAC, Old Fort

Nov. 27-30 - Travel South International Showcase, Louisville, Ky.

Dec. 8 – Visit NC monthly webinar: "Portrait of American Travelers" Fall Edition review

Dec. 8 - AENC AnnualTrade Show, Raleigh