Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission and RomanticAsheville.com Partner to Elevate Sports Tourism Across Western North Carolina
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission (ABRSC) and RomanticAsheville.com have announced a new year-long content partnership designed to elevate awareness of Western North Carolina’s premier sporting events while further promoting the region as a destination for sports tourism.
Beginning July 1, 2026, the partnership will connect RomanticAsheville.com’s extensive digital audience with the growing calendar of sporting events hosted throughout Buncombe County and the surrounding region. Through dedicated content, event storytelling, and digital outreach, the collaboration will highlight the economic impact, community benefits, and visitor experiences generated through sports tourism.
As part of the agreement, RomanticAsheville.com will produce an annual long-form sports tourism guide highlighting upcoming sporting events, quarterly sports event update blogs, and a dedicated email campaign promoting the Southern Conference Basketball Championships in Asheville.
"With such a long and successful track record as the leading insider's guide to Asheville and the surrounding area, we feel that a partnership with RomanticAsheville.com is the perfect fit to increase our awareness and messaging," said Chris Smith, President of The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission.
"This is a major step in the right direction for our efforts to utilize sports tourism to bolster our local economy, while also giving our locals quality entertainment options. From area businesses to local sporting enthusiasts, this partnership will prove to be a winner for all parties."
The partnership supports ABRSC’s ongoing efforts to position Western North Carolina as a premier sports tourism destination while increasing awareness of the events, venues, and experiences that make the region unique. Through expanded storytelling and regional exposure, the collaboration will help showcase the economic impact of sports tourism and the important role sporting events play in enhancing the quality of life throughout Western North Carolina.
Justin Belleme, Publisher and Partnerships Manager for RomanticAsheville.com, said the partnership reflects both organizations' shared commitment to growing sports tourism throughout Western North Carolina.
"I am genuinely excited for our new content partnership with the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission. As a native and lifelong resident of Western North Carolina and an avid fan of many sports, I feel personally invested in the success of this partnership. We are incredibly grateful for this partnership, and I look forward to working closely with the Sports Commission to promote and elevate our regional sports community."
Founded in 2003, RomanticAsheville.com is one of the most visited travel websites serving Asheville and Western North Carolina. Over the last five years, the site has reached an average of more than three million website visitors annually while generating an additional 10 million annual impressions across its social media channels.
By combining RomanticAsheville.com’s regional reach with ABRSC's growing portfolio of events, the organizations aim to increase awareness of sports opportunities throughout the region while inspiring athletes, families, and fans to experience the communities, venues, and outdoor experiences that make Western North Carolina a premier sports destination.
About the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission
Since 2010, the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission has been a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to identifying and attracting sporting events and related meetings that enhance the health, wellness, and quality of life for residents and visitors throughout Western North Carolina. By generating positive economic impact and promoting the region as a top-tier sporting destination, ABRSC partners with event organizers locally and nationally to showcase Asheville’s venues and community.
About RomanticAsheville.com
Since 2003, locals and visitors have trusted RomanticAsheville.com as their insider's guide to Western North Carolina. Through destination guides, local stories, event listings, and social media, RomanticAsheville.com helps millions of people each year find the best of what Asheville and our small mountain towns have to offer.