AGP Executive Report

Health Alert: North Carolina health officials say a person infectious with measles traveled through western NC, with possible exposure at an Exxon in Hendersonville (Aug. 25, 9:30–11:45 a.m.) and the Holiday Inn Express in Asheville (Aug. 26, 1–10:30 a.m.); visitors should monitor for symptoms through mid-September and unvaccinated residents are urged to get the MMR shot. Tourism & Community Events: Triangle Oktoberfest returns Oct. 2–3 at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre, aiming to top $1 million raised for charity, with family activities and German-culture favorites. Local Culture: Dolly Parton’s rare “Dolly the Bromeliad” is blooming at UNC Charlotte’s McMillan Greenhouse, drawing visitors to see the plant and pay tribute to her legacy. Travel Safety/Outdoors: A North Carolina climbing feature spotlights Stone Mountain’s granite slab routes, a reminder that the state’s outdoor tourism is as much about skill and safety as scenery.

G20 & Tourism: Asheville’s G20 Finance Track is expected to bring about $1.5M–$2M in direct spending, with local leaders pitching Western North Carolina’s rebuilding story after Helene and highlighting tourism, workforce and infrastructure needs to global decision-makers. International Spotlight (UNC): UNC-Chapel Hill used its Ireland opener vs. TCU as a “front porch” to reach new audiences and promote the university beyond athletics. Health Alerts for Travelers: North Carolina is issuing measles exposure monitoring notices tied to an Asheville Holiday Inn Express and a Hendersonville Exxon gas station; officials also warned about rabies exposure after baby goats from a traveling petting zoo tested positive, urging anyone with direct contact to contact local health departments. Local Visitor Economy: Lake Lure is moving to evict Lured Market and Grill from its market building amid a dispute over a former police boathouse lease—an issue that hits a popular stop for visitors and locals. Sports Tourism: Cary is hosting the Veolia Pickleball National Championships at Cary Tennis Park, with more than $1M in prize money and strong early ticket demand. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show premium prices around $4.59 statewide (week ending Aug. 22), with some counties seeing lower single-station deals.

College Football Buzz: Bill Belichick’s UNC stunned TCU 15-10 in Dublin, and even Paul Finebaum admitted the coach “proved me wrong,” a win that keeps North Carolina sports tourism in the spotlight. Public Health Alert: Buncombe County health officials say a measles exposure may have occurred at the Holiday Inn Express on Smokey Park Highway (Aug. 26, 1–10:30 a.m.), with monitoring advised through Sept. 16. Animal Health Scare: A traveling petting zoo in multiple NC counties reported rabies-positive baby goats; attendees are urged to contact local health departments for possible prevention. Outdoor Safety: A North Carolina teen is critically ill after contracting a rare brain-eating amoeba (Naegleria fowleri), with investigators still working to determine exposure. Travel Disruption & Safety: U.S. officials say 85 Americans are still missing after Nepal-Tibet floods tied to a glacier collapse, underscoring risks for pilgrims and trekkers. Local Tourism Economy: Craven County visitor spending hit $188.97M in 2025, and new Coastal Carolina Regional Airport upgrades could expand future travel. Fuel Watch: Diesel hit a low of $5.23 in Edgecombe County (week ending Aug. 22), while E15 dipped to $3.25 in Rockingham County—useful for road-trip planning.

G20 Spotlight on Asheville: Finance ministers and central bank leaders are in town for the G20 finance track at the Omni Grove Park Inn, with local tourism officials expecting about $2 million in spending and a chance to showcase Western North Carolina’s Hurricane Helene recovery. Public Health Alert: North Carolina health officials say a traveler with measles may have exposed guests at the Holiday Inn Express (435 Smokey Park Highway) in Asheville on Aug. 26, 1 a.m.–10:30 a.m.; exposed people should monitor symptoms until Sept. 16. Travel Watch (Gas Prices): GasBuddy reports the cheapest E15 in Randolph County at $3.24/gal (week ending Aug. 22), while Watauga County saw E15 as low as $3.49/gal. Tourism & Events: Henderson County’s Apple Festival season continues with plenty of U-pick options, including Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, plus local apple stands downtown. Sports Tourism: The Asheville Tourists’ local baseball scene continues as regional teams play in the area, keeping visitors coming for game-day weekends.

College Football & Travel Buzz: UNC kicked off its season in Dublin, Ireland, beating TCU 15-10 at the Aer Lingus College Football Classic—another sign international sports are pulling more travelers toward North Carolina’s brand. Airport Deals: Raleigh-Durham International is climbing into the top tier for international flight deals in 2026, giving would-be travelers a cheaper path to Europe without starting at the usual coastal hubs. Public Health (Travel Safety): A Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has expanded to more states, including North Carolina—more reason for travelers and locals to watch for persistent watery diarrhea and get tested. Family Fun & Animal Safety: A traveling petting zoo in Iredell County had baby goats test positive for rabies; families who visited between July 28 and Aug. 27 are urged to contact their health department. Local Tourism Concerns: An Asheville pastor says city leaders “whitewashed” gang-related violence concerns, arguing youth prevention efforts were ignored—an issue that could affect how visitors feel about the mountain city. Gas Watch: E85 and diesel prices were reported at notable lows in parts of eastern NC, helping road-trip budgets.

G20 & Asheville: Finance ministers and central bank governors are arriving in Asheville for G20 Finance Track meetings at the Grove Park Inn, with heightened security and local protests questioning whether the summit helps Western North Carolina’s still-stalled recovery after Helene. Tourism Marketing Win: Visit North Carolina won a U.S. Travel Association award for its “Ski Florida” campaign, using Florida winter-fantasy ads to drive travelers to NC ski areas and après-ski experiences. College Football Draws Global Attention: UNC opened its season in Dublin, Ireland, beating TCU 15-10 in a rainy, low-scoring opener that put Bill Belichick’s defense in the spotlight and underscored how much international travel is now tied to major sports events. Health & Safety Alert: Health officials are warning about brain-eating amoeba risk after a North Carolina teen was critically ill following freshwater exposure, with guidance focused on preventing water from going up the nose. Local Travel Notes: Gas prices updates show premium fuel deals in parts of the state, including Northampton County’s lowest reported premium at $4.64/gallon for the week ending Aug. 22.

College Football Tourism (Dublin): North Carolina and TCU kick off the 2026 season in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, with Week 0 spotlighting how international openers are reshaping travel plans for fans heading overseas. Local Food Access (Rocky Mount): Ripe for Revival debuted a new mobile market on wheels in Rocky Mount, expanding neighborhood produce and dairy access with pricing designed to stay affordable. Rail Heritage (Spencer): The N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer hosts the America 250 Locomotive Celebration, bringing dozens of painted engines and rail groups together for a patriotic weekend. Public Safety (Cary): Cary police charged a driver after a pedestrian death on Ederlee Drive, renewing attention on crosswalk safety as school starts. Health Alert (Naegleria fowleri): State officials report a North Carolina teen critically ill from a rare brain-infecting amoeba linked to warm freshwater exposure, with prevention tips aimed at summer swimmers. Community Planning (Craven County): Craven County issued public notices for floodplain and wetlands reviews tied to planned improvements at Craven County Nature Park, including trails, a footbridge, and kayak access.

Ethics & Accountability: NC Rep. Chuck Edwards asked House colleagues to reconsider a censure recommendation after an Ethics Committee report found persistent, unprofessional conduct toward two female aides, with Edwards arguing his behavior was “not sexual misconduct.” G20 & Investment: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in the U.S. for G20 Finance talks in multi-city stops, including investor and CEO meetings and a visit to the University of Chicago’s entrepreneurship center. Tourism Safety Alerts: Iredell County warned of potential rabies exposure tied to a mobile petting zoo after baby goats tested positive following a skunk incident; officials urge anyone who attended events between July 28 and Aug. 27 to call for evaluation. Family Travel Safety: Gastonia police shared dashcam video of a driver blowing past a stopped school bus and are stepping up school-zone enforcement as students head back. Coastal Commuter Relief: Dare and Currituck counties will consider a joint resolution to waive ferry tolls for residents, pushing back on new tolling rules affecting access to Knotts Island and Ocracoke. Outdoor & Health Watch: A North Carolina teen is critically ill with Naegleria fowleri (“brain-eating amoeba”) after warm freshwater exposure; health officials say testing water isn’t straightforward, but the case highlights heat-related risk for summer travelers. Local Travel Infrastructure: A renovated Wire Pasture access point on the Lumber River near Maxton opened with a new visitor center, picnic areas, parking, and a short hiking trail. Film & Production: Wilmington-area “Outer Banks” creator Jonas Pate says he may move a prequel series to Charleston after changes to NC’s film grant and rebate operations raise uncertainty for productions. Sports Tourism: UNC and TCU kick off the season in Dublin, with the international game framed as a broader university and state showcase—while UNC’s defensive coordinator Steve Belichick remains on medical leave ahead of the opener.

College Football & Travel Buzz: North Carolina’s Week 0 opener vs. TCU in Dublin is drawing major attention, with the ACC spotlighting the conference’s early slate and Belichick weighing the NFL’s push for a global brand—good news for fans planning trips and tourism tie-ins. High Country Heritage Fair: Avery County’s A&H Fair returns Sept. 2–6 at Heritage Park in Newland, celebrating local crafts, food, and working-folk traditions. Tourism Dollars: Craven County tourism spending hit $188.97M in 2025, up 3.1%, reinforcing New Bern’s momentum as a coastal heritage stop. Outdoor Safety: A new look at lightning fatalities highlights why North Carolina visitors should take storms seriously during summer outdoor leisure—especially fishing, boating, camping, and beach days. Road-Trip Planning: A roundup of Labor Day weekend getaways within about four hours of Atlanta includes Bryson City, NC, as a gateway for hikes, rafting, and lake fun. Health Alert for Water Lovers: State health officials confirmed a North Carolina teen developed a rare brain-eating amoeba infection after exposure to warm freshwater. Local Mobility Fundraiser: Davidson County Senior Services will host its first Life Ride Gala Sept. 30 to support rides for seniors to medical and daily needs.

Uwharrie Quiet Drive: Looking for a reset? A new travel piece spotlights a slower, wooded drive through the Uwharrie National Forest—forests, lakes, rolling terrain, and a long history—positioning it as an easy way to unplug and recharge. Railroad Weekend in NC: Spencer’s N.C. Transportation Museum is hosting the America 250 Locomotive Celebration Aug. 28–30, with more than 30 specially painted engines and rail equipment expected from across the U.S. and Canada. Meta Settlement for NC Youth: WRAL In Depth reports North Carolina is set to receive $451M–$645M from Meta’s $18B settlement, with lawmakers deciding whether to fund youth programs, mental health supports, and school health needs. Ferry Tolls Fight: Dare County and neighboring counties are preparing a resolution urging Gov. Josh Stein and NCDOT to waive NC ferry tolls and fees for locally registered vehicles. Rare NC Infection Alert: State health officials say a central NC teen is critically ill with a rare amoeba-linked brain infection tied to warm freshwater exposure. Labor Day Road Safety: The state’s Highway Safety Program launches “Booze It & Lose It” Aug. 31–Sept. 13 to crack down on impaired driving.

Tourism & Travel Safety: Wrightsville Beach’s South Lumina Avenue landed on a “most stressful parking” list, highlighting how hard it can be to find spots during peak season. Local Road Changes: Boiling Springs cut the speed limit on NC 150/Main Street from 35 mph to 25 mph between Ingles and Ramsgate Drive to better protect pedestrians and bicyclists. Visitor Economy: Royal Farms is opening a new 24/7 Elizabeth City location on Sept. 28, with a ticketed soft opening and fuel, food, and convenience aimed at travelers and locals. Sports Tourism: UNC football coach Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels head to Dublin for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, a reminder that big games keep pulling visitors into North Carolina’s orbit. Aviation Disruption: An American Airlines flight bound for Charlotte was delayed after two tires blew out at Chicago O’Hare, with passengers bused to the terminal. Community & Culture: A Museum of the Albemarle lecture revisited Shell Castle Island, a submerged Outer Banks-era trade hub tied to Ocracoke Inlet history.

Tourism & Travel Fraud: The FTC says U.S. vacation and travel fraud losses nearly tripled to about $297 million over four years, driven by fake hotel listings, spoofed booking sites, and scammy SMS alerts—North Carolina is among the states with high per-capita losses. Coastal History & Culture: A Museum of the Albemarle “History for Lunch” lecture highlighted Shell Castle Island in the Outer Banks—an 18th/early-1800s submerged trade hub tied to Ocracoke Inlet and shifting hurricane-era shipping routes. Space & STEM Tourism: NASA astronaut Christina Koch (a Jacksonville native) was honored in Raleigh and at NC State, with a building renamed Koch Hall—another STEM spotlight that can pull visitors to campus events. Local Ballot Watch: Dare County voters will decide in November on a parks and recreation sales tax increase, with residents questioning how funds will be restricted. Visitor Economy Check: A study says Wayne County travel spending dipped slightly in 2025, even as Wings Over Wayne drew thousands. Road-Trip Disruption: Drivers should expect overnight delays in Virginia from an oversized “sculpture” load moving north from NC to Maryland.

Tourism Economy Watch: New Visit North Carolina figures show Buncombe County still ranks among the state’s biggest visitor economies despite a 2% dip in 2025 spending after Hurricane Helene, with tourism supporting nearly 8 in 10 jobs tied to travel and hospitality. Regional Growth: Henderson County posted $453M in 2025 visitor spending, up 3.6%, ranking 17th statewide and highlighting a rebound that outpaced the rest of North Carolina. Local History & Culture: Wilkesboro is pitching itself as a “Trail Town” with expanding biking and hiking routes in the Cub Creek and Dark Mountain areas, including new trail offshoots and a pump track. Health Alert for Travelers: North Carolina health officials confirmed 940 total cyclosporiasis cases, with weekly updates continuing as partners work to identify what’s driving the increase. Business & Travel Infrastructure: Upside Foods withdrew its $50M bid for Believer Meats’ North Carolina cultivated-meat facility, leaving the Wilson plant’s future uncertain but still under consideration. Outdoor & Family Fun: North Carolina Baptist camps reported nearly 14,000 campers and participants this summer, with thousands of faith responses across multiple camp locations.

G20 in Asheville: Global finance leaders and about 1,000 visitors are set to descend on Asheville Aug. 29–Sept. 1 for the G20 finance meetings, with the Omni Grove Park Inn hosting key sessions—bringing major attention (and some local pushback) as the city continues rebuilding after Hurricane Helene. Big Ten travel buzz: A new AP report highlights how college football “abroad” is growing, with London’s Union Jack Classic aiming to draw American fans—another reminder that North Carolina sports travelers are part of a bigger national trend. Sports tourism in the Tar Heel State: UNC released its 2026 fall tennis schedule, including home events in Winston-Salem (Wake Forest Invite, Oct. 23–25) that can pull visitors into the Piedmont. Family-friendly fall kickoff: Starworks’ Glass Pumpkin Patch returns Sept. 19, running through October with glassblowing demos, live music, and fall art shopping that’s already drawing Southeast travelers. Local community tourism tie-in: A new Charlotte LGBTQ History Coalition launched with a first historic marker project for Oleen’s, aiming to preserve queer landmarks and boost visibility for visitors and residents alike.

Labor Day Travel Safety: North Carolina’s “Booze It & Lose It” crackdown ramps up Aug. 31–Sept. 13, with statewide patrols targeting impaired driving as holiday travel approaches. Port Watch (Wilmington): Cape Fear River container-ship calls are down, with the Port of Wilmington seeing a sharp drop after the largest “neo-Panamax” ships stopped arriving—an update that helps explain why fewer big vessels show up for visitors and locals. Local Tourism Numbers (Nash County): Visitor spending in Nash County dipped 1.8% in 2025 to about $334.7M, though leaders say the decline slowed and growth opportunities remain strong. Raleigh Transit Safety: Crews are installing new fencing near the Moore Square bus station to curb loitering and related incidents, as GoRaleigh serves thousands daily. Outdoor Season Planning: Leaf-peeping season is nearing, with peak timing driven by elevation—useful for fall road trips into the mountains. Food & Hospitality: The NCRLA Chef Showdown returns with a Sept. 2 Durham finale at Bay 7, spotlighting North Carolina chefs and local dairy.

Space & Education: NC State welcomed NASA astronaut Christina Koch back to campus, with Gov. Josh Stein and Chancellor Kevin Howell honoring her Artemis II milestone by renaming Engineering Building Two as Koch Hall. Aviation & Careers: Elizabeth City State University held an aviation open house at the Elizabeth City Regional Airport, celebrating a growing class of new students for pilots, air traffic controllers, and airport management. Travel Fuel Watch: GasBuddy price reports show spotty but notable deals across the state, including the lowest E85 at $3.02 in Wayne County and $3.05 in Davidson County (week ending Aug. 15). Road Safety: Lincoln County reported a fatal Lackey Road collision at Houser Farm Road involving a Honda that failed to stop at a stop sign; the driver died, and no charges were expected. Outdoor & Fall Planning: A guide highlights early-fall North Carolina activities like apple picking, pointing to Henderson County’s major apple production and the season’s mid-August start.