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Asheville experiences growth in tourism during holiday season

More people are choosing to head to the mountains for Christmas.

The President of Asheville's Convention and Visitors Bureau Stephanie Brown said since 2000, they have seen nearly double the amount of hotel rooms booked for December.

The biggest factors are the Biltmore Estate, the Gingerbread Competition at the Grove Park Inn, and the Seasonal Tourism advertising.

"Tourism in Asheville has really become a year-round activity, bringing tourist dollars every month of the year," Brown said.

Officials said more international tourists are visiting North Carolina during the holidays as well.

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