Tourism Resilience and the "Rediscover the Unforgettable" Initiative

North Carolina -- March 18, 2026: Speaking to over 500 industry professionals at the Visit NC Tourism Conference at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, Governor Stein celebrated the immense impact of tourism on the state’s economy. Despite the challenges following Hurricane Helene in late 2024, the Governor emphasized that Western North Carolina is officially "reopened for business."Key tourism statistics shared by the Governor include:Economic Impact: Visitors spent nearly $37 billion in Nort