If you’re a regular listener of the Artsville Podcast, you are already familiar with the rich creative spirit of Asheville and the historical significance of arts and crafts in the region. We like to shout it from the rooftops! But did you know that Asheville is a world-class tourism destination for so many other reasons too? Today, we are joined by Marla Tambellini, Senior VP of Marketing at Explore Asheville, our local Convention and Visitors Bureau, to find out what makes Artsville such a desirable place to visit. “There are a lot of communities that can say they have food, they have music, they have art,” says Marla, “but I think there's a special combination that makes Asheville stand out.” In this episode, Marla highlights some of the various attractions in our special corner of North Carolina and offers some insight into the ways that Explore Asheville promotes economic development in the area, champions local artists, and invites a growing number of visitors each year. Tune in for a glimpse into what makes Asheville so unique!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The significance of arts and crafts in Asheville and why it's integral to the visitor economy.
• Asheville’s eclectic community and the vibrancy that draws people in.
• Strategic ways that Explore Asheville promotes economic development.
• Insight into the profile of visitors that Asheville attracts.
• How Explore Asheville champions local artists and elevates art organizations.
• The unique creative spirit that draws people to Asheville.
• Learn how to apply for Artsville’s Virtual Gallery of Artists!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Marla Tambellini on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlatambellini/

Marla Tambellini on X — https://twitter.com/ashevillecvb

Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau — https://www.ashevillecvb.com/

Explore Asheville — https://www.exploreasheville.com/

Art Connection with Sherry Masters — https://www.arttoursasheville.com/

Artsville Virtual Gallery of Artists — https://www.artsvilleusa.com/featured-artists/

Artsville — https://www.artsvilleusa.com/

Artsville Podcast — https://www.artsvilleusa.com/tag/podcast/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.com/