Travel and hospitality have always been at the heart of our city, with one in seven jobs supporting the visitor economy. As the industry continues to rebound from Helene, Explore Asheville’s Workforce Development Program is shaping the future.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Asheville Travel & Hospitality Internship Program and Explore Asheville Hospitality Scholarship. The program launched last year, and is seeking its second cohort of aspiring travel + hospitality professionals.

Young adults and students above age 16 are invited to apply for both. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:

Asheville Travel & Hospitality Internship Program

Interns will get hands-on industry experience and develop fundamental skills with Explore Asheville and local businesses across five sectors:

Destination Marketing and Management
Food and Beverage
Accommodations
Recreation/Parks/Sports
Arts and Culture

Explore Asheville Hospitality Scholarship

The scholarship awards up to $2,500 annually toward tuition, housing, other educational expenses for students pursuing hospitality careers at any North Carolina post-secondary institution.

Apply by March 18 for both