The Hendersonville Welcome Center is set to reopen on Aug. 27,inviting locals and tourists to see what's new following the $1.9 million renovation.
Located at 201 S. Main St., the Hendersonville Welcome Center, now a fully upgraded and remodeled facility, features an interactive way for visitors to discover what to do while in Henderson County.
Michelle Owens, executive director of the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), said the space has been designed to "serve people in whatever manner they like to receive info," and appeals to a range of preferences.
"For techies, we have QR codes, an interactive touch screen trip planner and a social media wall showing visitor experiences in real time," Owens said in a news release. "For those who prefer old school, we have visitor guides, trail maps and rack cards of lodging and attractions."
Renovations to the building are noticeable upon entry, according to Craig Distl, public relations representative for Visit Hendersonville.
Distl said the "building's transformation is felt immediately" as visitors are greeted withvaulted ceilings and a video wall showcasing outdoor activities. Distl also said the building now utilizes an open floorplan, featuringstations and exhibits highlighting "agritourism, arts, family activities, outdoor adventure, Crest of the Blue Ridge wine country and a variety of trails."
One feature those at the Welcome Center are placing emphasis on is the new touch screen trip planner, which allows guests toexplore the county and build an itineraryvia the Visit Hendersonville website. The planner also allows users to text their created plans to their cell phone.
With local tourism continuing to rise, Owens contributed three points to the town's investment in the Welcome Center. She said those are, "the need for a larger, more immersive space to educate visitors and locals on the many attractions and activities countywide, to create a more efficient and productive work space for the TDA staff and lastly, to fit in with renovations taking place on South Main Street to connect the downtown district with the Ecusta Trail."
The connection of the downtown with the Ecusta Trail is part of a "much-anticipated rail trail project" set to debut in December. The Welcome Center will double as the official trailhead for the Ecusta Trail when the first segment of the rail trail project is underway.
"We want to be a pivot point for both Main Street and the Ecusta Trail to bring them together in a seamless way," Owens said. "The arrival of the Ecusta Trail will take our operations to a new level."
Owens said all funding for the project came from occupancy taxes paid by overnight visitors to Henderson County and that "no local tax dollars were involved." Owens also said a "big thank you" goes to the TDA board for its support of the initiative, and to the TDA staff and volunteers for their "dedication and patience" throughout the course of the project.
STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOS$1.9 million renovation transforms Hendersonville Welcome Center into a tourist hub (wlos.com)
