Tourism promotion has been a successful strategy for building the local Asheville area economy. The establishment of the occupancy tax by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) in 1983 created a source of marketing funds that has helped create and sustain independent businesses by expanding the Asheville customer base and providing free marketing to connect visitors to local shops, restaurants, cultural experiences, events, attractions and accommodations.
Look who is counting on tourism in Asheville. Think it’s primarily lodging? Think again. The impact of visitors is more far-reaching than you might expect.
The BCTDA will provide $4.6 million to the City of Asheville to complete the southern section of the River Arts District Transportation Improvement Project (RADTIP). “The Buncombe County TDA continues to deliver on its mission to be a leader in the economic development of Buncombe County by dedicating lodging tax revenue to projects that make the community a better place to live and visit,” said Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer.
The December 19, 2018 regular meeting of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, a Public Authority and a Nonprofit Corporation, has been rescheduled to Thursday, January 10, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board Room of the Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, located at 27 College Place in Asheville.
The BCTDA’s investment in tourism promotion creates a customer base that sustains local businesses year-round. invests in community assets enjoyed by residents, and generates awareness and reputation for Asheville that supports all economic development goals.
Tourism is essential to Asheville’s economic vitality. Learn more about the community benefits of tourism.
“We’re funding whatever applications come through the door, and they’ve been very worthwhile projects,” Stephanie Brown said. “But we know there are a number of projects in development and rather than take them first-come, first serve … we’re going to look at the whole landscape of projects and work in partnership with applicants to enhance the quality of projects and provide a strategic look at how money can be used over a long period of time.”
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) approved nearly $10 million in funding for six projects that will be used by thousands of residents while also increasing visitor spending in the county. The Authority also announced it will pause the TPDF cycle in 2019 while it pursues a process that will result in a long-range plan that can serve as a blueprint for continued collaboration to address infrastructure and sustainability needs.
“Maintaining the quality of our city for locals is maintaining the quality of our city for visitors, said BCTDA Chair Jim Muth, owner of Beaufort House Inn. “As residents of this community, we understand that it is critical to preserve, protect and grow sustainably for the mutual benefit of residents and visitors alike.”
2018 marks the 35th anniversary of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority and the first year of operation of Explore Asheville as an independent organization. At its annual meeting BCTDA Chair Jim Muth and Explore Asheville President and CEO Stephanie Brown will provide an overview of this monumental year of change and innovation that has led to record breaking performance.
“Asheville by Design” explores the vision and intentionality that gave shape and character to the Asheville area of today. The program is a partnership that continues a longstanding relationship between Explore Asheville and National Geographic Travel, born out of its appreciation for what Asheville is all about and a continued interest in telling stories that reflect the heart of the destination.
