Tourism Cares has announced that the 2026 edition of its North America Meaningful Travel Summit will be held in Asheville, North Carolina, from April 14-16. Featuring educational programs, community experiences, professional networking, and more, the North America Meaningful Travel Summit brings travel and tourism professionals together to explore how to foster more sustainable travel. The selection of Ashevile signifies an emphasis on how destinations can be impacted by climate change and other environmental factors, as the city was devastated by the effects of Hurricane Helene in 2024.
“Asheville has demonstrated profound strength in its commitment to rebuilding through sustainable, equitable tourism, making it an ideal place to host our Summit,” said Greg Takehara, CEO of Tourism Cares, in a prepared statement. “It is also a destination rooted in creativity, innovation, and community spirit—and that was never lost, even in the destruction following Helene. We’re eager to bring tourism professionals together to help chart a future where tourism serves as a force for long-term resiliency and recovery for Asheville, and beyond.”
Getting out and being a part of Asheville’s recovery is a big part of the experience at the Summit, as local business owners and artisans will provide samples of Asheville’s culture and experiences. Travel professionals from across the industry are invited to attend, and early-bird registration is now open to save 25% if signed up by Dec. 31.
“In the face of unprecedented challenges due to Hurricane Helene, our region has made remarkable progress and has powerful opportunities ahead,” said Vic Isley, President & CEO of Explore Asheville, in a statement. “We’re rebuilding smarter, and hosting the 2026 Meaningful Travel Summit allows us to highlight how intentional tourism can align with those values and have the Asheville area serve as a living case study for destinations around the world.”
For more information, visit tourismcares.org/asheville-summit.
Main Image: Dewayne Barton, owner of Hood Huggers Tours in Asheville; Credit: ExploreAsheville.com
