The 2026 Person County Tourism Summit brought together local leaders, businesses, and tourism partners for a morning filled with collaboration, insight, and excitement about the future of tourism in our community.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who carved time out of their busy schedules to join us. Gathering our tourism partners together in one space is always a cherished experience, as it sparks new ideas, strengthens relationships, and helps set the stage for exciting collaborations ahead.

 

Thank You to Our Event Partners

This year’s summit would not have been possible without the support of several wonderful local partners who helped make the event both welcoming and memorable.

Their contributions helped create a warm, engaging environment for meaningful conversations and networking.

 

Insights and Presentations

Attendees heard from several speakers who shared valuable resources and insights for businesses and tourism partners throughout the county.

We’d like to extend a special thank you to Kat Love of The Land at Hawkins Loop, who shared a testimonial about her experience with tourism grant funding and how those investments support local businesses and visitor experiences.

We were also grateful to hear from Marlise Taylor, Tourism Research Director at Visit North Carolina, who provided valuable tourism statistics and insights that help guide our marketing and development efforts. See presentation here

Additionally, Grayson Brann, Director of the Piedmont Community College Small Business Center, shared information about the many resources and opportunities available to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

These presentations offered helpful tools and inspiration for tourism partners looking to grow their impact.

 

A New Visitor Guide is Here

One of the exciting updates shared during the summit was the launch of the new Person County Visitor Guide.

This updated guide highlights the many experiences that make our county special. From outdoor recreation and local dining to unique shops and attractions. The digital version is now available online, and printed copies are also available for distribution.

We’re thrilled to have this new resource available as we continue promoting Person County as a destination to explore.

2026 Tourism Summit

 

Capturing the Day

A special thank you to Briana Whitt, Person County Economic Development Specialist, for capturing photos from the event while the presentations were underway. These images help us continue sharing the story of tourism in our community.

 

Looking Ahead

The Person County Tourism Development Authority remains committed to supporting the businesses, attractions, and organizations that help make our county such a special place to visit.

Events like the Tourism Summit remind us how powerful it is when our community comes together to share ideas, celebrate progress, and work toward a common goal.

Together, we can continue creating unforgettable experiences for visitors and residents alike.

Because at the end of the day, one thing remains true:

It’s Better in Person!!