Gov Stein launches new tourism initiative for western North Carolina

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is kicking off a new tourism initiative for western North Carolina.

He spoke Monday afternoon at the Asheville Regional Airport. The plan is called “Rediscover the Unforgettable”.

This initiative encourages visitors to hike our sweeping mountain views and visit shops and restaurants after Hurricane Helen’s destruction disrupted the area’s tourism industry.

As Gov. Stein said Monday, western North Carolina is open for business.

“I think that a lot of people who are not from western North Carolina don’t appreciate how much progress has occurred since the storm. That restaurants are open, stores are open, the craftspeople are putting their wares out for sale. And what we want is for people not to associate the floods, the high watermark, but to realize that water has receded and people have come back and rebuilt, and they need our business. We need to make sure that as many people can come to western North Carolina…”

The press conference also kicked off Governor and First Lady Stein’s week of exploring the mountains, supporting small businesses and showcasing all that the region has to offer.