AUG. 31, 2026 – Downtown Asheville, North Carolina. (WLOS)
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) —As world leaders gather in Asheville for the G20 finance meetings, the international spotlight is raising questions about what the high-profile event could mean for the city’s economy long after the meetings end.
Asheville’s economy relies heavily on tourism, and Dongping Han of Warren Wilson College said simply putting the city in front of a global audience could be one of the biggest benefits.
“I was surprised because they never choose such a small city. We are not on the international map, but this will put us on the international map,” he said.
Han has taught international politics for 24 years at Warren Wilson College and retired back in 2025. Han said the meetings could introduce Asheville to people around the world who may have never heard of the city before, while giving visiting leaders and delegates an opportunity to experience the region firsthand.
G20 FINANCE MEETINGS BEGIN IN ASHEVILLE, DRAWING GLOBAL LEADERS AND PROTESTERS
“More people who have never heard of Asheville now see Asheville. I think that the leaders, while they are here, they might go out to see the environment, the landscape, the beautiful trails, the beautiful sight. … This all will showcase to the whole world what a wonderful, nice city Asheville is,” he said.
<img src="https://wlos.com/resources/media2/16×9/1280/800/center/80/51ecf528-4a49-41ee-a350-b3bfbf01edd7-01_00_40_15.jpg" alt="AUG. 31, 2026 – Interior of the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina, where the G20 <a href="https://bitcomme.com/altrova-health-reports-third-quarter-fiscal-2026-financial-results/” title=”Altrova Health Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2026 Financial Results”>Financial meetings are taking place. (Photo: WLOS Staff)” loading=”lazy”>
AUG. 31, 2026 – Interior of the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina, where the G20 Financial meetings are taking place. (Photo: WLOS Staff)
The question is whether that attention will eventually translate into more visitors and a longer-term economic benefit for the region.
Explore Asheville said a more detailed picture of the G20’s impact will not be available until after the event. The tourism organization said the global exposure could also encourage first-time visitors to return to the area.
Explore Asheville’s full statement:
“Explore Asheville works with local partners to book conferences and events to help support our local economy, area businesses and local jobs. The administration selecting Asheville as the site for the G20 Financial Track is bringing immediate direct spending and attention to our community, Preliminary estimates came in at $2 million and that continues to grow by the minute. The global media attention is shining a spotlight on the amazing progress we have made together, as well as the important work that still remains to be done to rebuild and strengthen the resilience, beauty, and creativity of our mountain region. We have always punched above our weight here in Appalachia, and having so many people from around the world experience our hospitality for the first time, we have no doubt they will return.”
ASHEVILLE G20 MEETINGS SPOTLIGHT HELENE RECOVERY, ECONOMIC PRIORITIES
Han said the larger economic effects may take time to materialize.
“For the short term, they want to see the difference very, very right away. But in the long term, it’s very, very important for Asheville. It will bring more tourists, and will boost the economy in the long run,” he said.
News 13 also asked local agencies whether the G20 meetings have resulted in any additional costs. A full accounting of those costs is not expected to be available until after the event concludes.
