High Country Regional Welcome Center staff Mollie Shanly, Gene Swift
BLOWING ROCK, NC, April 17, 2026—The High Country Host Regional Visitor Center is proud to join a nationwide celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week, (NTTW) May 3-9, 2026, recognizing the travel industry’s vital contributions to the U.S. economy. “Based on the latest numbers provided by the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina in 2024, total visitor spending in the High Country region was $1,060 (in millions),” said Candice Cook, High Country Host marketing director. “Tourism in the High Country makes up 3% of all state tourism dollars. It is truly remarkable how many visitors drive into our small towns!”
The regional welcome center will be holding an open house all week and invites the public to stop by and learn more about local tourism. Locals can pick up goodies from the tourism community, up- to-date Blue Ridge Parkway detour maps, updated hiking maps, coupons to local attractions and enter a drawing to win tickets to local attractions.
“We encourage locals to stop in and pick up the most up-to-date hiking and Blue Ridge Parkway information as some trails and roadways continue to be under repair,” said Candice Cook, High Country Host marketing director. “We encourage locals to be a tourist in their own community and support our local tourism businesses. Stop by and plan a day to explore your own backyard!”
The High Country Regional Welcome Center is located between Boone and Blowing Rock by the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway and App Ski Mountain at 6370 Highway 321 South, Blowing Rock. The welcome center has been in operation since 1983, is NCDOT/ tourism funded, and covers five counties. The center is open 362 a year, seven days a week, 9-5 Monday-Saturday and 9-3 on Sundays.
For more information on the High Country Host Regional Welcome Center or the Open House, call 828- 264-1299 or click to MountainsofNC.com
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