As COVID restrictions are eased and more people get vaccinated, tourism officials in Western North Carolina are feeling optimistic.

North Carolina tourism leaders said the mountains will be an attractive destination for those looking to travel again in 2021, but might not be ready to visit big cities.

“I think Western North Carolina is going to rebound quicker than other parts of the state,” said Lynn Minges, the president and CEO at NC Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Officials with the Asheville Regional Airport said air travel could increase by 25% in the next three to six months. Some things that officials are looking forward to include Allegiant’s new nonstop flight to Las Vegas starting this week as well as three new nonstop flights from American Airlines.

Full Story: https://wlos.com/news/local/officials-feel-optimistic-about-western-north-carolinas-2021-tourism-outlook

00:00 Officials feel optimistic
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