BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority approved $12.4 million in new investments on Wednesday, Oct. 1, funding eight projects across the county that leaders say will boost tourism, support recovery after Hurricane Helene, and improve the quality of life for residents.
The unanimous vote marks the first full Tourism Product Development Fund cycle since Helene devastated Western North Carolina last year. Officials say the investments come at a critical time, with tourism demand still lagging and the fall leaf season approaching, even as a federal government shutdown adds uncertainty for the region’s visitor economy.
“These projects are going to make a big difference in terms of our visitor economy as well as our quality of life for our residents,” said Vic Isley, president and CEO of Explore Asheville. “Helene has been a challenge for us, but every month we’re making progress, and we’re certainly hopeful for October leaf season.”…