ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Journalists from around the world are in Asheville this week covering the G20 finance meetings, bringing international attention to western North Carolina.
Inside the press room at the Omni Grove Park Inn Monday afternoon, reporters from countries including Japan, India and France worked alongside one another as they covered the high-level talks.
John Falchetto with Agence France-Presse said this is his first time visiting the city.
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Reuters correspondent David Lauder, who covers trade and the global economy, said international meetings like the G20 often give the host city an opportunity to showcase the region. In Asheville’s case, he said the meetings are highlighting the city’s recovery following Helene.
AUG. 31, 2026 – International journalists report from the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina, where the G20 financial meeting are taking place. (Photo: WLOS Staff)
Lalit Jha, a correspondent with India-based news agency IANS, said the international media presence is also allowing Asheville to introduce itself to new audiences.
“The world will know what Asheville is all about,” Jha said.
Each journalist is covering the meetings from a different perspective, including global trade, economic policy and negotiations between the world’s largest economies.
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But not every news organization that sought access to the meetings were granted credentials.
Lauder said the U.S. Treasury denied access to journalists from several major news organizations, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg News.
He said the decision has drawn attention from some officials who believe the meetings should be open to journalists as part of a free press.
The G20 finance meetings continue through Tuesday.