Asheville Tourism & Hospitality Internship
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Asheville Tourism & Hospitality Internship Launching Summer 2025
The purpose of the internship program at Explore Asheville is to provide students with an introduction to the hospitality and tourism industry through hands-on experience and exposure to our partner offerings. Individuals can develop a variety of transferable hard and soft skills including customer service, public speaking, and time management in the following sectors:
- Destination Marketing and Management
- Food and Beverage
- Accommodations
- Recreation, Parks, and Sports
- Arts and Culture
- Retail
Schedule & Important Dates
- Internships at Explore Asheville require 120 hours a semester (approximately 20 hours a week for 6 weeks).
- Hourly wage based on the MIT Living Wage Calculator for 1 adult. Approximately $22.54.
- Interns are expected to spend several hours at Explore Asheville and out in the field each week (students will be accompanied by Explore Asheville Destination Project Manager).
- The exact days and times of work will be decided upon between the Destination Project Manager and the intern at the start of the internship.
January 14, 2026 - Application Opens
March 25, 2026 - Application Closes
Last week in March/First week in April 2026 - Interviews
April 3, 2026 - Internship Notifications Issued
May 4, 2026 - Heroes of Hospitality/Awards Ceremony
Application Requirements
To be eligible for the Explore Asheville Tourism and Hospitality Internship Program, candidates must be at least 16 years old, and at a minimum, either a rising high school junior or senior in Buncombe County or maintain permanent residency in Buncombe County.
Internship Duties
Interns will be assigned to a sector in the tourism, travel and hospitality industry or related field each week to observe/shadow and will assist in daily activities. This is subject to change as we work with our partners within the community.
Example Schedule
- Week 1: Explore Asheville - Business Development, Marketing, Partnership & Destination Management, and Culture & Business Affairs.
- Week 2: Accommodations - Hotel and accommodation industry.
- Week 3: Food and Beverage - Local independent restaurants.
- Week 4: Recreation and Retail – Outdoor recreation, parks, sports facilities, or independent retail establishment.
- Week 5: Arts and Culture - Arts, museums, and galleries.
- Week 6: Explore Asheville/Final Presentation Prep/Final Presentation
Example Assignments
- Attend a Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority Board Meeting
- Presentation on experience in the field.
- Attend a site visit with a sales team member.
- Complete a 250-word newsletter article.
- Social media posts
- Attend/work Explore Asheville’s events during the semester such as Summer Social.
Contact Information
All inquiries & communications regarding the Explore Asheville Hospitality Internship Program should be directed to Kimberly Puryear.