April 9, 2012. Providing a soundtrack to a tourist’s visit, hosting AAA and CAA travel counselors from across the country and participating in a regional tourism resource day are but three activities of High Country Host taking place in the month of April.
Each year the Host produces a vacation planner to entice, educate, and encourage potential visitors to choose the High Country as their destination. This year’s edition carries a music theme throughout its 56 pages.
“We wanted to take a different approach to the planner this year,” said Sheri Moretz, the Vacation Planner’s volunteer coordinator and community relations manager for the Mast General Store. “With a rich music heritage in the High Country, we identified an opportunity to use popular songs as a hook for our copy – songs most everyone can identify with. Then we provide information on the many opportunities to hear live music in intimate venues throughout the High Country.”
The Planner also shines a light on the plethora of outdoor recreation options spanning all four seasons and free events and activities that will help visitors extend their stays.
On April 17 and 18, in cooperation with the Blue Ridge Parkway Association, High Country Host will entertain more than 25 AAA and CAA travel counselors during a brief part of a larger familiarization tour showcasing popular destinations along the length of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Stops in the High Country will include Linville Caverns, Grandfather Mountain, Mast General Store and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Glendale Springs. While their stay may be short in length, it won’t be short on hospitality with members of High Country Host sharing everything that makes this area a destination with something for everyone.
Tracy Brown, Host board member and Blowing Rock’s Tourism Development Authority executive director, will greet the group upon their arrival in Knoxville and will be a knowledgeable asset for them until they depart a week later from Washington, D.C.
The North Carolina Department of Commerce Division of Tourism in conjunction with the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) is hosting a Tourism Resource Assistance Center (TRAC) in Morganton, NC on April 19. The Host helped in coordinating the northern mountains region.
“This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the state resources that are available to local and regional tourism-related businesses for reaching travelers, the media, and increasing tourism visitation and spending, ” said Millie Barbee High Country Host executive director.
In addition to the Division of Tourism, representatives from BRNHA, High Country Host, Handmade in America, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, and other regional groups will be available to answer questions and share resources. This event at the Morganton Community House is free and reservations are not required, but would be appreciated (call Andre Nabors – 919-733-7502 or Eleanor Talley – 919-733-0869).
For more information about High Country Host and its activities, call 828-264-1299, 800-438-7500, or visit highcountryhost.com.
About High Country Host
High Country Host is a membership-based tourism promotional organization covering five counties in northwestern North Carolina. Realizing businesses can do more together, this groundbreaking group continues to encourage cooperation at home and to invite visitors from across the southeast to discover the wonders of the High Country.