Why 'forest bathing' in Asheville is a smart tourism strategy and terrible marketing ploy

Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority considers next steps at retreat

A screen shot from the February 2021 meeting of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority.

Imagine this voice-over for a tourism ad for Asheville. You can almost hear the soothing rasp of Sam Elliott in your ear:

“So imagine you’re taking a bath. Only you’re fully clothed and there’s no water. Instead, you’re bathing in the energy of the trees. I…