ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A new study from Visit North Carolina has revealed that domestic and international tourists spent around $2.6 billion in the Asheville area in 2025, ranking the region third in North Carolina county visitor economies.
The study, titled “The Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties,” was prepared for Visit North Carolina by Tourism Economics. According to the report, visitor spending across the state increased by 1.3%, achieving a record $37.2 billion.
Rebounding from Helene
In Buncombe County, the tourist economy is still recovering after Tropical Storm Helene.
The damage caused by the storm, which hit Western North Carolina in September 2024, had a tremendous impact on the Buncombe County economy, especially in the hospitality sector…